Pacific / Solomon Islands

Warnings in place for Solomon Islands as Jasper lurks offshore

11:09 am on 6 December 2023

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect most provinces. Photo: Windy.com

A tropical cyclone warning is in place across the Solomon Islands due to category 1 Jasper.

The Solomon Islands meteorological service said as of 5am local time, the storm was sitting 152 kilometres southwest of Tetepare Island and 274km west-southwest of Guadalcanal.

It was moving south-southeast at 4 knots, towards the waters southwest of Guadalcanal Island.

Gale force winds are expected over the Western, Choiseful, Isabel, Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

Rough seas and potential coasting flooding are forecast.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect most provinces.

"Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas," the warning said.

"People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical cyclone poses threat to lives and properties."

Motorists and sea travelers are advised to take care.

The next update is expected at 1:30pm Solomon Islands time.

The Australian Metservice says Jasper is expected to intensify into a severe tropical cyclone by Thursday and move south-southwest through the Coral Sea.

"Tropical cyclone Jasper has formed in the Solomon Sea and is strengthening," the Australian alert said.

"Jasper may approach the Queensland coast early next week."