The first named Tropical Cyclone of the South Pacific season – Ruby – has formed in the Coral Sea and is expected to intensify into a Category Three storm as it heads for New Caledonia.

Published 3 years ago

Updated:  December 14

Tropical Cyclone Ruby is bringing heavy rain and gale (65km/h) to storm (100km/h) force winds to New Caledonia as it moves along the country’s east coast.

Weather services in Fiji and New Zealand say Tropical Cyclone Ruby will not pose any major threat to both countries.

However, strong to gale force winds could affect the southern islands of Vanuatu from Tuesday evening.

Category 2 System

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre said Tropical Cyclone Ruby was expected to intensify into a Category 2 system on Monday December 13. 

The Bureau then expected further intensification to a Category 3 system later on Monday and into Tuesday as Ruby moved towards New Caledonia.

Forecasters in Noumea say the cyclone is expected to move over the Loyalty islands on Tuesday, bringing wind gusts of up to 150 Kilometres an hour.

From Monday December 13, heavy rain was forecast across all of New Caledonia.

A cyclone pre-alert is in force in the country, meaning the public should keep informed about the storm’s movement.

Cyclone Ruby is expected to hit New Caledonia’s northern territory on Monday evening.

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Related News:

Ruby brings Strong Winds and Rain to New Caledonia (Radio New Zealand)

Cyclone Ruby Poses no Threat to Fiji or New Zealand (Radio New Zealand)

Cyclone Forms Northwest of New Caledonia (Radio New Zealand)

Pacific Cyclone Season Preview for 2021/2022 (Noonsite)

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Related Links:

Australian Bureau of Meteorology Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Fiji Meteorological Service

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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