A satellite image of Cyclone Oma as it tracks away from Vanuatu and towards the north of New Caledonia (botttom green outline). Photo: Supplied / Meteo France
Authorities in New Caledonia have issued a range of warnings as Cyclone Oma moves towards the territory.
The cyclone, which is strengthening, is forecast to move within 100km of the island of Belep in the next 24 hours.
The north of the main island is also forecast to be affected.
The Meteorological Service in Noumea said Belep and the far north of the main island could experience winds gusting as high as 170 km/h early on Tuesday morning.
On Monday night, with the cyclone still some 200km away, Belep had already recorded winds as 110km/h and 33mm of rain in only three hours.
Reports of damage were already pouring in. The civil security department, in a statement, said a child had been treated for minor injuries after being struck by flying sheet metal in the town of Pouébo, on the main island.
Many roads were already impassable because of fallen trees and flooding, and more than 400 houses were without electricity.
A level two cyclone alert has been issued for the northern province, where emergency shelters have already been opened and schools ordered shut.
The Civil Security department said damaging winds, flooding and very rough seas can be expected until Wednesday.