Orange alert in West Austral Islands

Météo France has issued an orange alert for strong winds in the West Austral Islands, specifically on Rimatara and Rurutu. This level of alert indicates a significant risk of weather-related damage and requires residents to take precautions.

Tropical depression WATI impacts region

Starting from Sunday evening, the tropical depression WATI is affecting the regions of Rimatara and Rurutu. This system is generating sustained gusts of approximately 80 to 90 km/h, with the potential to reach 110 km/h during the night.

Winds expected to weaken by Monday

The strong winds are expected to persist until Monday morning, after which they will gradually weaken from Monday evening onwards. However, even in a weakened state, the tropical system can still bring intense rainfall and strong cyclonic waves.

Safety instructions for residents

The population in the affected area is advised to limit non-essential travel and exercise caution during necessary travel. Drivers should limit their speed, especially when operating vehicles or equipment sensitive to wind effects.

Additional precautions recommended

Residents are urged to be cautious of possible falling objects and avoid going out on high ground or at sea. They should not go onto roofs and must avoid touching fallen power lines on the ground.

Securing belongings and monitoring updates

Residents are encouraged to secure or fix objects that are sensitive to wind or likely to be damaged. They should regularly follow the bulletins issued by Météo France to stay informed about the evolving situation.