The forecast path shown above is VMGD's best estimate of the cyclone's future movement and intensity. There is always some uncertainty associated with tropical cyclone forecasting and the grey zone indicates the range of likely tracks.

Due to the uncertainty in the future movement, the indicated winds will almost certainly extend to regions outside the rings on this map. The extent of the warning & watch zones reflects this.

Remarks:

Very rough to phenomenal seas with heavy to phenomenal swells are expected over northern waters. People, including sea going vessels are strongly advised not to go out to sea until the system has moved out of the area. Rainfalls will become heavy with flash flooding over low lying areas and areas close to the river banks,
including coastal flooding are also expected to affect these provinces. The marine strong wind warning is current for all Vanuatu coastal waters, while High seas warning for northern open waters is also current.

Name:  Severe Tropical Cyclone RITA

The next Forecast Track Map will be issued by 9:00 am VUT Tuesday