Tropical storm Seventeen is forecast to strike Vanuatu as a tropical cyclone
Tropical storm Seventeen is forecast to strike Vanuatu as a tropical cyclone at about 18:00 GMT on 20 February.Data supplied by theUS Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Centersuggest that the point of landfallwill benear18.1 S,169.8 E.Seventeen is expected to bring 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around129 km/h (80 mph).Wind gusts in the area maybeconsiderably higher.
According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm ofSeventeen'sstrength (category 1)at landfall includes:
•Storm surge generally 1.2-1.5 metres (4-5 feet) above normal.
•No real damage to building structures.
•Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees.
•Some damage to poorly constructed signs.
•Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain.
The information above is provided for guidance only and should not be used to make life or death decisions or decisions relating to property. Anyone in the region who is concerned for their personal safety or property should contact their official national weather agency or warning centre for advice.
This alert is provided by TropicalStorm Risk (TSR) which is sponsored by Benfield, Royal & SunAlliance,Crawford & Company and University College London (UCL). TSR acknowledges thesupport of the UK Met Office.
