MetService has issued strong wind watches for the entire North Island of New Zealand as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks south from Fiji.
The storm, currently classified as a Category 3 cyclone, is maintaining wind speeds exceeding 150km/h near its center. Forecasters warned on Wednesday that the system could bring life-threatening winds and heavy rainfall to New Zealand later this week.
Emergency Alerts and Forecasts
The issuance of wind watches across the North Island indicates a broad area of potential impact. Meteorologists are monitoring the system’s trajectory as it moves away from Fiji and accelerates toward New Zealand’s coastline.
The combination of high-velocity winds and intense precipitation associated with a Category 3 system poses significant risks to infrastructure and public safety. MetService continues to track the storm’s intensity and projected landfall points to refine local warnings.
Authorities are monitoring the storm’s progression as it moves into New Zealand waters.
