A red alert is in place for Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, and an orange alert for Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira, Temnotu and Rennell/Bellona.
Photo: zoom.earth
Tropical cyclone warnings are in place for the Solomon Islands and Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A separate cyclone, Vaianu, is near Fiji.
Vaianu is not expected to make landfall, but has already brought strong winds to Fiji, and a heavy rain warning is in force for the whole country. A flash flood warning is in place for Viti Levu, with an alert for the rest of the Fiji group.
Schools remain closed in Fiji on Tuesday.
Both storms have reached category 3 severe tropical cyclone status.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has forecast gale force winds, very rough seas and widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms for the Western Province islands, as well as lesser impacts to other areas.
It said the weather may lead to possible landslides and flooding in communities near hill slopes, close to large rivers and streams, and low-lying areas.
A red alert is in place for Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, and an orange alert for Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira, Temnotu and Rennell/Bellona.
The next update for Solomon Islands is expected at 7:30am local time.
PNG’s National Weather Service said cyclone Maila will cause very heavy rain and flooding, storm surges and up to gale force winds.
Maila and Vaianu have reached category 3 severe tropical cyclone status.
Photo: zoom.earth
A warning is current for Milne Bay Province, especially the coastal and island communities of Woodlark, Sudest, Misima, Rossel Islands and including Bougainville.
People are advised to stay away from the edge of the sea and seek higher ground until the cyclone threat passes.
The next update for PNG is expected at 6am local time.