The eastern islands of New Caledonia are bracing themselves for storm or hurricane force winds with the approach of Cyclone Jim.
Authorities have asked residents to make preparations and secure any loose fittings outside buildings, and store essential food items and commodities.
Cyclone Jim is north west of the main island of New Caledonia and is expected to move in an east-south easterly direction with the main island experiencing storm or gale force winds.
The lead forecaster at the Fiji Meteorological Service, Balbir Singh, says Cyclone Jim will affect the eastern islands of Mare and Matthew the most.
"At the moment it is to the north of New Caledonia. In fact, it's 160 kilometres east of the island of Surprise in New Caledonia. We're anticipating its having maximum sustained winds of 75 to 80 knots close to the centre. That's about 148 kilometres per hour."
Mr Singh says cyclone Jim will have more impact on the eastern islands than the main island of New Caledonia itself.
The main island of New Caledonia could receive gale or storms but the eastern islands of New Caledonia could very much get storm or hurricane force winds out of it. That includes Mare island and a few other small islands in the path, including Matthew island.
