APCEDI Alert SP/NC Jasper #3-2009: Cyclone Jasper Weakening off New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie); Some Damage on Grande Terre

The RSMC-Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre are issuing guidance on Cyclone Jasper, a tropical cyclone that is weakening off the west coast of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie).

Jasper peaked in intensity last night as it was passing off the the Northwest Coast of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie). Today it has been weakening as it moves southeast paralleling the West Coast of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) Meteo France has maintained an 'orange alert (l'alerte cyclonique orange)'for the entire country throughout the day. A 'yellow alert (pré-alerte jaune)' is also in force for the rest 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 continues to move southeast at 13 kt (24 km/hr) and has weakened to Category 1 strength on the Australian Cyclone Severity Scale.

Forecast models are still somewhat divergent over the exact course of Jasper throughout the rest of today into tomorrow. Most models are showing it continuing to moving southeast away from New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) into the Southern Ocean, but some are still forecasting a slow down or stalling off the Southern Coast. If Jasper stalls near the coast, it has the potential to continue to dump large amounts of rainfall over Grande Terre and southern outlying islands. All interests in New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) should monitor the storm carefully and follow all government advice.

EFFECTS OF JASPER
Heavy rain showers and winds gusting to gale force have been reported throughout the day across much of the main island of Grande Terre. There has been coastal erosion, localised wind damage, road closures, power outages and some localised flooding along the North and West Coasts. Some evacuation have taken place in low lying areas. However, at this time, there is no reports of major damage or life-threatening injuries.

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

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