Tropical Cyclone Cook Makes Landfall in New Caledonia in the South Pacific

Jon Erdman
Published: April 10,2017 

Tropical Cyclone Cook has made landfall in New Caledonia, a French territory in the south Pacific Ocean.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
Cook was the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale when it pushed into Grand Terre, the largest island of New Caledonia, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Only one other tropical cyclone of Category 2 or stronger intensity has made landfall on New Caledonia's Grand Terre island since 2000, Category 4-equivalent Erica in mid-March 2003, according to NOAA's Historical Hurricane Tracks database.

Current Infrared Satellite, Conditions

La Tontouta International Airport reported a maximum wind gust of 63 mph as Cook passed through. More than six inches of rain has fallen in Poindimie.
Although the center of Cook is now south of Grand Terre, rain and wind impacts will continue until the cyclone pushes farther away on Tuesday.
Prior to arriving in New Caledonia, Cook knocked out power and downed trees in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila and Efate Island, ABC Australia reported. No significant damage to buildings was reported, however.
(MORE: Tropical Cyclone Ernie Underwent Rapid Intensification off Australia's Coast)
After departing New Caledonia later Tuesday, Cook may curl back southward toward New Zealand later in the week.
While it won't be a formidable tropical cyclone by the time it nears the North Island, it may bring locally heavy rainfall, elevated surf and gusty winds later in the week.
(MORE: 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook)
MORE: Hurricanes From Space - Satellite Imagery

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