Tropical cyclone forming north of Vanuatu named as Cyclone Lola

It comes after two cyclones hit Vanuatu in March with destructive winds.
It comes after two cyclones hit Vanuatu in March with destructive winds. Photo credit: MetService

Story by RNZ

A tropical cyclone has formed over the Santa Cruz islands, north of Vanuatu, MetService reports.

Earlier this afternoon, the Fiji Meteorological Service named it Cyclone Lola.

It is only the seventh South Pacific cyclone to be named in October since 1970. Cyclone season typically runs from 1 November to 30 April.

Two Category Four cyclones hit Vanuatu in early March.

Cyclone Judy was followed within hours by Cyclone Kevin.

They battered the region with destructive winds of 160km/h, gusting to 220km/h, causing extensive damage to the central and southern islands.

To keep up to date with the cyclone track, visit Met or Vanuatu Met.

RNZ