PNG safe as cyclone warning issued for Pacific countries

GALE force winds that have moved away from Papua New Guinea are forming into cyclones farther south in Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, says the National Weather Service.
Director Samuel Maiha said Fiji and Tonga have issued warnings for approaching Tropical Cyclone Neil but it will not affect PNG.
Maiha said the gale warning had reduced and would have been gone by yesterday, but the strong wind warning remained in force for all coastal and Highlands regions.
Winds are expected to reach speeds of between 25 and 34 knots.
“Winds are still blowing and rain will continue to accompany them,” he said.
“There will be no tropical cyclone developing in the country. All the gale force winds of 48 to 64 knots have reduced.
“They have gone to the east and developing a cyclone in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga.”
The weather office issued a storm warning to members of the public, aviation, small craft and boats yesterday, starting at around 11am.
Maiha said a warning issued for northwest storm force winds have been cancelled.