Ruby taking aim at New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Ruby has formed over the northeastern Coral Sea and is the equivalent of a tropical storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Ruby is tracking toward the south-southeast and will continue to strengthen over the next couple of days.

A general southeast track is expected over the next few days with Ruby forecast to reach severe tropical cyclone intensity or the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Monday night or Tuesday, local time.

Ruby is expected to pass over or near New Caledonia Monday night or Tuesday, local time. Flooding rain, rough surf, coastal flooding and damaging winds are expected across New Caledonia later Monday into Tuesday night, local time. The outer bands from Ruby can bring squally rainfall to Vanuatu later Monday into Tuesday, local time.

Rainfall across New Caledonia, including the Loyalty Islands, will total 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 300 mm (12 inches). This rainfall can result in flooding and mudslides. Wind gusts of 145-160 km/h (90-100 mph) with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 190 km/h (120 mph) will occur. The strong winds can result in structural damage, travel disruptions and power outages.

Conditions will improve across New Caledonia late Tuesday night or Wednesday, local time. Ruby will lose wind intensity by the time it passes north of New Zealand late this week.