TC Maila upgraded to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone
by RNZ Pacific reporters · RNZThe Australian Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Cyclone Maila is now a category 2 storm.
It said sustained winds near the centre is 95 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 130 kilometres per hour.
At 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time, the cyclone was about 610 kilometres west of Honiara and 800 kilometres east of Port Moresby.
The Bureau said Maila is forecast to become a severe tropical cyclone tonight or early Monday.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service and the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service are issuing tropical cyclone warning bulletins for their respective countries.
Bad weather felt in Western Province
People living on parts of Ranogga Island in Western Province experienced heavy rain and high swells, leading to high waves breaking along coastlines Friday and Saturday.
Tropical Low 37U, which later developed into Tropical Cyclone Maila in the early hours of Sunday morning, had brought strong winds to the northern parts of Ranoggah Island.
A media freelancer who witnessed the situation reported high swells, heavy rain and strong winds causing damage to shorelines in Koriovuku Village.
"Due to this bad weather, high swell and heavy rain with strong winds continues as of Friday evening," Chris Podokolo told Solomon Star in an interview.
He said coastline sea walls were damaged overnight, while boats and some sheds were moved to safety away from the shorelines.
A villager from the nearby village of Buri also reported the strong wind and continuous heavy rainfall throughout Saturday.
Meanwhile, residents living along the coastline are already in danger, especially those in low-lying areas and buildings near the shore.
Preparations for possible evacuation are already underway, with families preparing to move to safer houses belonging to relatives if the situation worsens.
Fiji
The Fiji Meteorological Service said a tropical depression was located north of Fiji and is currently moving slowly.
It said the estimated winds near the centre are 46 km/h
Weather models indicate that the system, TD11F, is expected to move south-southeast and may strengthen further.
There is a moderate to high chance that this system could develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The RNZ Pacific cyclone watch service is now providing updates on Tropical Cyclone Maila from the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service and the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service