Tropical low brings strong winds and heavy rain warnings for Southern PNG

The National Weather Service has issued strong wind, gale-force wind and heavy rainfall warnings as a tropical low system continues to affect parts of the country.

The weather system, which is currently located in the Coral Sea, is not a tropical cyclone but is generating strong to gale-force winds, rough seas and unstable weather conditions, particularly across southern coastal and maritime areas of Papua New Guinea.

Authorities say the system is expected to bring strong winds, rough seas, cloudy conditions, heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service has issued a Strong Wind Warning for winds ranging between 25 and 33 knots, a Gale Force Wind Warning for winds between 34 and 47 knots, as well as a Heavy Rainfall Warning for affected areas.

Sea travellers, fishermen and coastal communities have been urged to take extra precautions and remain alert as hazardous marine and weather conditions continue.

The public is advised to monitor official weather updates and avoid unnecessary sea travel during the warning period.