A tropical low pressure system currently located in the Coral Sea continues to affect weather conditions across parts of the Solomon Islands, according to local weather updates from the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS).
The system, which was previously positioned close to the northwest of New Caledonia, has now moved back toward the southern region near Rennell and Bellona (Renbel).
Although it remains outside Solomon Islands waters, meteorological authorities say it is still contributing to the ongoing unsettled and wet weather being experienced in many areas.
Meteorological Services officials are closely monitoring the system as it continues to influence strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough sea conditions.
Residents are being advised that the current bad weather pattern is likely to continue into the early part of next week. Forecasts indicate that the tropical low may begin moving back south toward New Caledonia around Monday or Tuesday.
“If the system moves further away as expected, weather conditions around Solomon Islands could gradually improve by Wednesday or Thursday,” the update stated.
However, authorities stress that the situation remains changeable and are urging the public to remain alert and prepared.
Strong Wind Warning in Effect
The Meteorological Services has issued Strong Wind Warning Number Sixteen this evening, as hazardous conditions continue across the country. It remains current for all waters of Solomon Islands.
“An active trough lies over Solomon Islands and links to a tropical low located south of Rennell/Bellona in the coral seas,” the warning stated.
“Expect west to northwesterly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots which may gust up to 30 knots over most waters of Solomon islands,” it added.
The Meteorological Service further warned that seas will be moderate to rough with moderate west to northwesterly swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters, creating dangerous conditions at sea.
“Expect poor visibility in heavy rain and thunderstorm areas,” the Meteorological Services.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautionary measures as the strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.
“Sea travelers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.”
The public is also encouraged to share this information, especially with people living with disabilities and vulnerable members of the community.
The next Strong Wind Warning update will be issued at 7:00am Sunday morning.
Solomon Power Issues Weather Advisory
In response to the severe conditions, Electricity provider Solomon Power also released an important public advisory this evening, warning customers to expect possible electricity disruptions.
“We are currently experiencing rainy weather and strong winds, which may be severe at times. The severe weather can cause disruptions to power supply from downed or damaged power lines,” a statement from Solomon Power said.
It added, its crews will work to restore electricity to affected areas as soon as it is safely possible.
“Our crews will work to restore electricity to affected areas as soon as is safely possible during this severe weather. That means that work may not begin immediately. Whatever the conditions, Solomon Power will attend to faults on a case by case basis upon assessing it is safe to do so.”
The power company is urging the public to be cautious around electrical infrastructure.
“If you see fallen power lines, keep your distance, and/or if there is an outage in your area, call us on 166 or 167 to report it. Our phone lines may be busy in times of widespread unplanned power outages caused by severe weather, so please be patient and try again in a few minutes.”
Customers are asked to provide the following information when reporting outages:
- Name, address, and contact information
- The time the power went out
- Whether it only affects you or the entire area
- If you can see any power lines on the ground
- If you heard anything unusual when the power went off
Water Supply Affected by Heavy Rain
In a separate notice, Solomon Water has announced an unplanned shutdown of its main water source due to the current weather conditions.
In a statement tonight, Solomon Water informed customers that due to high turbidity caused by heavy rains, water supply from the Kongulai source has been closed until further notice.
“Turbidity is a measurement of how cloudy the water is in surface water sources and can be caused by silt, mud, algae, or other particles in the water,” the statement explained.
The closure is necessary to ensure unsafe water is not supplied to the public.
“Our disinfection process cannot kill any bacteria when there is high turbidity which makes it unsafe and poses health risks to customers,” Solomon Water stated.
As a result, most customers supplied from Kongulai will experience low pressure or no water. Those who are still receiving water are advised to boil all water before drinking or consumption.
Solomon Water says it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates.
Public Urged to Stay Alert
With the tropical low still active and strong wind warnings in place, communities across Solomon Islands are advised to remain cautious.
People living in coastal areas, sea travelers, and those in flood-prone locations are encouraged to take necessary safety precautions and keep updated through official weather bulletins.
For now, unsettled weather is expected to continue, but conditions may gradually improve toward the middle of next week if the system moves further away as forecast.
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