APCEDI Alert SP/NC Jasper #4-2009: Cyclone Jasper Continues to Weaken off New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie); Moving away from the Territory.

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 continued to weaken and slow down. It is centred about 290 km west of Grand Terre. Meteo France is maintaining an 'orange alert (l'alerte cyclonique orange)'for the east of Grand Terre due largely to the potential for heavy precipitation over the rugged highland interior and Eastern drainages as a result of convective uplift from the clockwise cyclonic rotation. 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 has slowed down to a crawl and is moving slightly west-northwest, away from Grande Terre. It has weakened to Category 1 strength on the Australian Cyclone Severity Scale, this weakening will continue.

Forecast models are more in agreement showing a slow drift westward away from Grande Terre into the Coral Sea/ Southern Ocean. Jasper's slow movement away from the the coast, could result in continuing heavy rains with large amounts of precipitation over the rugged interior of Grande Terre. 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 evacuations 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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