FIRST TROPICAL DISTURBANCE WATCH ADVICE ISSUED FOR SOLOMONS
A map of Solomon Islands. Photo credit: www.smartraveller.gov.au
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has this afternoon issued the first tropical disturbance watch advice.
The MET Office says the Watch Advice is now current for Western, Russell, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Makira and Rennell Bellona Provinces.
It says at 9am this morning, the tropical depression with a central pressure of 998 hectopascals was located at approximately 44 miles NorthWest of Bellona Island.
The Weather Office explains, the system is moving South-South East at five knots and intensifying.
Winds of up to 47 knots will develop over Rennell Bellona, Russells, Makira, Guadalcanal, South Malaita and Isabel and continue to develop within the next 24 hours.
Remaining provinces will also be expecting winds gusting to 30 knots over the remaining provinces.
It says Seas will be moderate to rough with swells and coastal flooding with heavy rain at times and thunderstorms
The MET Office has cautioned people to take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical depression can endanger lives and properties.