PNG National Weather Service has issued strong wind warnings to parts of Southern Region after Christmas and New Year’s eve following significant weather projects.

Acting Director Jimmy Gomoga in a press release this morning appealed to the communities in Western, Gulf and Central provinces to prepare for the strong gales winds.

Ensure your houses and roofs are secured and fastened. Our 24/7 Forecasting and Warning Centre will continue to monitor and issue warnings on any significant weather that maybe a threat to our people.

Updating on the progress of the wet season, he said the country was well into the summer season and the NW monsoon or wet season was well established across the country.

“The NW winds peaks around February-March and recedes in April, bringing in NW Monsoon rains and surges and across the country and most of the Tropical Cyclones that occurred within PNG formed during the peak of the NW Monsoon or the peak of the wet season.

“Most parts of the country should receive some rainfall this week and it is anticipated that by the end of end of February or early March, there should be increase in the rainfall across the country. This wet weather will continue for some time, at least until the end of the wet season.

A monsoon trough lies along the southern coastline of PNG with a low-pressure systems, one in the Solomon Sea and the other in the eastern Indian Ocean. It is anticipated that the eastern Indian Ocean system, just north of Darwin will track through the northern Australia. There will be increase in NW wind surges and land gales accompanied by showers and thunderstorms with areas of rain across the southern parts of the country by the end of the weekend or early next week leading up to the New Year 2022.

The general public is urged to take heed and comply with the warnings issued by the PNG National Weather Service.

Recommended Action:

PNG National Weather Service advice that people should:

1. Check if You are in a High Risk Area
2. If your property is near a body of water that can overflow or if your area has experienced flooding in the past then you may be at risk.
3. Clean and clear, all gutters and drains need to be cleaned and cleared to ensure that water can easily drain away.
4. Ensure drainage systems are cleared. Prevent Blockages, storm-water drains can easily become blocked with debris during flooding.
5. Fix any weak points, any cracks or holes where water can enter your property should be fixed and sealed with water resistant material.
6. Protect Stock, for retailers especially; make sure that any stock or spare items that could be damaged by flooding are stored out of harm’s way.
7. Anchor, items that cannot be stored above water levels and can float or be easily moved should be anchored down to prevent damage during La Niña.
8. Check Sprinklers, electric short circuits due to water damage can cause fires on your property or premises. Ensure that your automatic sprinkler system is in working order and that all valves and pumps are located above the expected water level.
9. In preparation for the strong or gale winds, chop or clear trees and branches near your homes.
10. Check your house and roof is secure and fastened.

For more information, contact the National Disaster Centre or National Weather Service.

Further Information:

Information and daily aviation, marine/ ocean, public and severe weather forecasts updated every six (6) hours on 24/7 are available from PNG National Weather Service;
Phone: +675 3252788
Fax: +675 3255544
Email: publicwx@gmail.com and aviation@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pngmet

For preparedness, safety advice and emergency assistance, contact National Disaster Centre on;
Phone: +675 301 4700/4711
Fax: +675 301 4747
Email: info@pngndc.gov.pg or webmaster@pngndc.gov.pg