Cyclone alert in New Caledonia

NEW CALEDONIA – A level 1 storm alert was issued for New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines yesterday as Tropical Cyclone Gita was forecast to pass tonight.

Activities at sea have been banned and people have been advised to board up their houses and secure their livestock.

A pre-alert remains in place for the rest of the territory.

Forecasters in Noumea expect the storm to be about 200 kilometres south east of the island of Mare by this afternoon.

During the night to Saturday, it is expected to pass between 100 to 150 kilometres south east of the Isle of Pines as it veers into the Tasman Sea.

The system is forecast to bring winds gusting up to 120 kilometres an hour to the Isle of Pines by this evening.

Winds in excess of 100 kilometres an hour are possible for the southern part of the island of Grande Terre.

Heavy rain is expected in the south of New Caledonia in the night to Saturday.