The authorities in New Caledonia have downgraded the maximum alert in the territory's north as Cyclone Sandra has veered away.
The warning was issued at dawn but the storm changed course to the south and has begun to weaken.
Despite heavy rain and strong winds, there are no reports of injuries or damage.
The cyclone is moving south at about 15 kilometres an hour, more than 200 kilometres off the territory's west coast.
