‘Exceptionally rare’ tropical cyclone develops east of Australia

‘Exceptionally rare’ tropical cyclone develops east of Australia as authorities issue a weather warning

  • The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a weather warning over a cyclone 
  • Warning was issued on Thursday over category one Tropical Cyclone Liua
  • Australian meteorologist said it was an unusual sight for this time of year
  • It is the first cyclone to develop in September in the South Pacific in 70 years  

An ‘exceptionally rare’ tropical cyclone has developed east of Australia.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a weather warning over Tropical Cyclone Liua, which is currently at category one status.   

Australian meteorologist Anthony Cornelius, from WeatherWatch, said it was unusual for a named cyclone to appear in the area at this time of year.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a tropical cyclone warning over Tropical Cyclone Liua, which is currently at category one status

An Australian meteorologist took to social media to say it was 'exceptionally rare' to see a named cyclone at this time of year 

An Australian meteorologist took to social media to say it was ‘exceptionally rare’ to see a named cyclone at this time of year 

‘Tropical Cyclone Liua develops well east of Australia. Yes you read right, it’s September and there’s a tropical cyclone,’ Mr Cornelius posted on social media.   

‘It’s still outside of Australia’s area of responsibility – and has been named by the Fiji Met Service. Nonetheless, it’s amazing and exceptionally rare to see a named tropical cyclone so early in the season.’ 

Australia’s tropical cyclone season kicks-off in November. 

It is reportedly the first cyclone to develop in the South Pacific in September in almost 70 years. 

‘It is very unusual, in fact this is the first tropical cyclone to form in the month of September going back to 1950. It is certainly unusual,’ Chris Brandolino from the New Zealand climate and weather office, NIWA, told RadioNZ. 

In a three-day cyclone outlook issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service on Thursday morning, it was noted Tropical Cyclone Liua is moving southeastwards at about two knots. 

The closest township to the cyclone at the moment is Kirakira in the Solomon Islands. 

But the cyclone is expected to be downgraded to a tropical low by 12pm on Saturday.  

The tropical cyclone is expected to be downgraded to a tropical low by 12pm on Saturday. Pictured, the cyclone's forecast track map 

The tropical cyclone is expected to be downgraded to a tropical low by 12pm on Saturday. Pictured, the cyclone’s forecast track map 

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