Cyclone Cook hits New Caledonia

Winds of up to 200km/h and heavy rain lashed people in New Caledonia last night as Cyclone Cook made landfall.

French media reported the category three cyclone hit the main island at almost the same time as high tide, bringing down coconut trees, blocking roads and forcing residents to seek shelter indoors.

The storm is moving quickly and, tonight, it is expected to be 370km southeast of Noumea.

It is forecast to weaken slightly over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain, gales and high seas around New Caledonia will gradually ease tomorrow as it moves away.

#CycloneCook Tombée du jour, avant même le déclenchement de l'alerte 2 à #Nouméa... ça soufflait sévère déjà! #NouvelleCalédonie #WaitAndSee pic.twitter.com/ODUzEyQv2M

— Anthony °° Tejero (@TEJEROAnthony) April 10, 2017

Source: RadioNZ