Pacific cyclones.

Up to 10 tropical cyclones may hit Pacific before April

NIWA has released its outlook for the upcoming cyclone season, from November to April next year.

NIWA predicts there will be between eight to 10 tropical cyclones in the Southwest Pacific during the season.

It says between five and six of those storms could be Category 3 or higher - a Category 5 being the most severe on the scale.

NIWA said they could occur anywhere across the Southwest Pacific - and advised communities to be vigilant and follow forecast information.