APCEDI Alert SP/NC Jasper #1-2009: Cyclone Jasper Forms Northwest of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie)

The RSMC-Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre are issuing guidance on Cyclone Jasper, tropical cyclone that formed overnight northwest of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie).

This system has been meandering in the Coral Sea between Queensland and New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) for the last several days, but now is becoming much better organised and strengthening. Meteo France has issued an 'orange alert (l'alerte cyclonique orange)'for the North and Northeast Coast of Grande Terre and for the Northern Iles Loyauté of Ouvéa, Lifou. A'yellow alert (pré-alerte jaune)' has been issued for the remainder of the country.

These alerts are specifically detailed below:

L'Alerte Cyclonique Orange: Soyez très vigilant; des phénomènes météorologiques dangereux sont prévus ; tenez-vous au courant de l'évolution météorologique et suivez les conseils émis par le Haut-Commissariat. Dans le cas des alertes cycloniques, l'alerte cyclonique orange signifie qu'une dépression tropicale forte ou un cyclone menace le Territoire dans les 24 heures.

Pré-Alerte Jaune: Soyez attentifs, si vous pratiquez des activités sensibles au risque météorologique ; des phénomènes habituels dans la région, mais occasionnellement dangereux (ex: temps modérément pluvieux, averses localement fortes, vent soutenu avec rafales) sont en effet prévus; tenez-vous au courant de l'évolution météorologique. Dans le cas des alertes cycloniques, le jaune correspond à la Pré-alerte.

Jasper is moving east-southeast at 17 kt (31 km/hr) and should pass near to or over Northern New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) later tonight into tomorrow. The storm is currently at Category 1 strength on the Australian Cyclone Severity Scale. However, strengthening is possible as it approaches New Caledonia. Jasper currently has the potential to cause localised wind damage and pose localised threats to low-lying areas prone to flooding and beach erosion.

All interests in New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) should monitor the storm carefully and follow all government advice.

APCEDI will continue to monitor the progress of this system.
___________________________________________
Kevin Vang
APCEDI Coordinator
http://www.afap.org/apcedi/

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