Strong winds could lash coasts

TROPICAL cyclone Niram is moving south away from Papua New Guinea but strong winds are expected to continue lashing the coastal areas, National Weather Service acting director Jimmy Gomoga says.
He said windstorms could be expected today and tomorrow to hit Western, Milne Bay islands, Central, Vitiaz Strait, West New Britain and Madang coastlines.
“There are gales along the coastal areas now due to Niran which was formed early Tuesday,” he said. “Central will experience increasing strong winds along the coastal areas.”
Gomoga said rain would continue to fall into next month because “Papua New Guinea is in the peak of the wet season”.
“The rainy season normally peaks from January to March,” he added.
“Although the La Nina season has returned to its normal condition, we can expect more rain.
“Due to La Nina conditions, some parts of the country can expect more rain while others would go dry.
“There will be above normal rainfall in Southern while Highlands and Momase will experience average rainfall until next month.
“There is possibility of flooding and landslides during this wet period in the Highlands region.”
Meanwhile, Gomoga said New Guinea Islands would be dry during this period.