Page 40 - IB FEB 2019
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PACIFIC CONVERSATION WITH SPREP

     Pacific Meteorological Services


     helping us prepare for the cyclone season



     The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has worked closely with regional
     organisations such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research of New Zealand, National Oceanic
     and Atmospheric Administration of America, Australia Bureau of Meteorology and the Asia Pacific Economic
     Cooperation Climate Centre to develop tropical cyclone guidance for this season for the Pacific region.

     TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTLOOK   NOVEMBER 2018 – APRIL 2019
                                      •
         ƒ Above average tropical cyclone activity is expected in the Western Northern Pacific.
         ƒ In the Southwest Pacific it was forecasted that 7–11 tropical cyclones will form, since the very early Tropical Cyclone Liua in
       September 2018.
         ƒ Islands on the fringe of the northern and eastern Coral Sea, including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia may experience
       slightly decreased tropical cyclone activity.
         ƒ Increased tropical cyclone activity is expected in some islands east of the International Date Line, including Samoa, the Cook Islands
       and the Austral Islands.
         ƒ Four tropical cyclones (Liua, Owen, Penny and Mona) have formed in the south Pacific (east of the tip of Cape York, Queensland)
       to date this season.

     Cyclone strength

       Tropical Low  Category 1  Category 2  Category 3               Category 4               Category 5
      Strong Winds  Gale Force  Storm Force  Destructive Hurricane Force Winds  Very Destructive Hurricane Force Winds  Catastrophic Hurricane Force Winds
                 90–124 km/h  125–164 km/h  165–224 km/h             225–279 km/h           More than 280 km/h
     For this season, about four storms are anticipated to reach at least Category 3 strength. Past years with climate conditions similar
     to present suggest some of these storm systems may increase to at least Category 4 and Category 5 strength; therefore, all
     communities should remain alert and well-prepared for tropical cyclone season.

     Being prepared for the Tropical Cyclone season

     It is best you, your family and your community are prepared for what may come. To find out the best way to do so please do contact
     your National Disaster Management Office.
     If you would like to find out more about the Pacific Island Climate Outlook please contact your National Meteorological Service or
     visit www.pacificmet.net.



     Don’t wait until it is too late, be prepared, get ready now. May you all keep safe this tropical cyclone season.

     Have t  at Pacif  c Conversation today. Help your family, neighbours, community and country be prepared.














                                                                                      PO Box 240
                                                                                     Apia, Samoa
                                                                                      +685 21929
                                                                                  sprep@sprep.org
                                                                               www.sprep.org
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