A tropical cyclone, that has formed northwest of Vanuatu, is now expected to affect land areas as early as this afternoon.
The Vanuatu MetService reported that three hours ago, Cyclone Becky was located 160 kilometers northwest of Santo Island or 200 kilometers west of the Banks group.
Cyclone Becky is moving East-Southeast, bringing gale force winds to the Banks group this afternoon and extending over Sanma and Penama tonight.
Vanuatu Met Service forecaster, Abel Kalo, says winds are estimated to increase to 55 knots in the next 12 hours.
He says the sea will be rough with heavy swells.
"People including sea going vessels are strongly advised not to go out to sea until the system moves out of the area. Heavy rainfall and flooding, including coastal flooding is expected in the affected areas."
Abel Kalo
