This article needs to be updated.(March 2018) |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 3 March 2018 |
Extratropical | 11 March 2018 |
Dissipated | 13 March 2018 |
Category 4 severe tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (FMS) | |
Highest winds | 165 km/h (105 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 952 hPa (mbar); 28.11 inHg |
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 950 hPa (mbar); 28.05 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 total |
Areas affected | Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
Part of the 2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hola had significant effects across Vanuatu in March 2018, resulting in the deaths of three people. Forming as a broad tropical disturbance on 5 March, the system slowly consolidated over the next few days before developing into a tropical cyclone on 6 March. Afterwards, a pinhole eye began to emerge and rapid intensification ensued.
Cyclone Hola caused extensive damage in Vanuatu, damaging or destroying 1,709 structures, ruining crops, and killing three people. Impacts were most severe in Ambrym where half of the areas homes were damaged and people suffered from food shortages. Ambae, already dealing with the disruptive effects of a volcanic eruption, had major damage. Several other provinces reported varying degrees of lesser impact. Fiji, New Caledonia, and New Zealand were also affected by the cyclone. The former two experienced negligible effects while the latter saw heavy rain and strong winds. Effects in New Zealand were less than initially feared, and local media called it a "lucky escape".