SUBMISSION SUCCESSFUL

?TROPICAL CYCLONE GINA FORMS EAST OF VANUATU

Issued at 11.50am Thursday, 19 May 2022

Tropical depression 11F intensified into a category 1 system and named Tropical Cyclone (TC) Gina (Gee-nah) at 6am today while located just to the east of Vanuatu. TC Gina has formed outside of the tropical cyclone season.

The tropical cyclone is currently slow moving with 40 knots winds observed close to the centre. TC Gina is expected to gradually track south-westwards towards Vanuatu.

Damaging gale force winds of sustained 75 kilometres per hour gusting up to 120 kilometres per hour is expected to affect Ambrym Island, Pentecost Island and the southern parts of Vanuatu as the cyclone tracks closer, from later today to tonight.

Winds of this strength can cause significant damage to houses of very light materials and old galvanized iron roofs blown off. It also poses a risk of disruption in communication networks and power supply due to damaged power lines. Winds can also break small trees with most plants and crops being damaged.

Rainfall of more than 120 millimeters per hour is also expected over the above mentioned areas of Vanuatu.

There is a chance TC Gina may intensify further into a category 2 system.

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