APCEDI Alert SP/SI Cyclone Wati #1-2006: Cyclone Wati Forms west of Vanuatu

The Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre and the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre have started to issue advice on Cyclone Wati that formed in the Coral Sea earlier today about 250 kms west of Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu.

Cyclone Wati is moving to the southwest towards Australia's Queensland Coast at about 24 km/hr. As it is moving away from Vanuatu toward Australia, it is unlikely to pose any immediate threat to Vanuatu, Solomons, PNG or New Caledonia. However the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service is calling for rough seas over Rennell, Bellona and the southern parts of Western, Makira and Guadalcanal provinces. Rough seas are also being experienced across Northern Vanuatu and northern parts of New Caledonia. Northern Vanuatu has experienced quite a lot of rain and gusty winds in the past few days as the cyclone slowly formed, but no significant damage has been reported.

Meanwhile Cyclone Larry is moving onto the Queensland Coast near Innisfail.

APCEDI will only issue further bulletins on Cyclone Wati if it changes course and threatens and Pacific Islands.

People interested in following the progress of Cyclones Wati and Larry as they move towards Australia should follow the information at the Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre .

Kevin Vang
APCEDI Coordinator
http://www.afap.org/apcedi/

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