Cyclone Hola is now moving away slowly from Vanuatu, but has now developed into a category 4 storm.
Forecast track for Cyclone Hola a category two at 3am Thursday 08 March 2018. Photo: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department
Fiji Met Service forecaster, Stephen Meke, said that Hola's centre is located 230 kms north-north west of Port Vila, gusting at 230 km/hour.
"It is tracking towards New Caledonia but it is likely maybe just to pass just in between New Caledonia and Vanuatu, but more towards New Caledonia. "
Stephen Meke said despite its intensity, the cyclone is moving south west at a rate of 5 knots.
Strong wind warnings and storm surges remain in place for Vanuatu but there is now a moderate to high risk warning for islands to the east of New Caledonia like La Roche.