PNG National Weather Service

Strong wind warning issued

Strong southeast winds of 25/34 knots with strong gust, are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, causing rough seas and high wind waves,” says the NWS.

“All small craft and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before and after going out to sea.”

Strong wind warning issued

This covers Torres Strait and Daru to Kiwai Island, Kerema, Yule Island, Hood Point or Aroma Coast to Eastern Milne Bay Islands and Cape Vogel.

The warning also extends to Finschhafen through Dampier/Vitiaz Strait to Siassi Island, Long Island, and West New Britain to Manus and St. George Channel, including Bismarck, Solomon and Coral Seas.

The Weather Service says strong southeast winds of 25 to 34 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, causing rough seas and high wind waves.

Renewed gale force warning issued

The NWS urges residents of all inland areas and coastal waters of southern PNG to heed the warning.

“Very strong northwest surge of 34/48 knots, with stronger gusts reaching 64 knots, are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, causing very rough seas and high sea waves.

“All small craft and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before and after going out to sea.”

This caution also covers the Indonesian border through Western to Gulf to Central Province and Milne Bay, including Vitiaz Strait to Long Island and West New Britain Province.

 

Weather service strike ‘illegal’

Maiha said the reasons they stand for are genuine but the actions to justify their motive is not warranted. 

It has been 3 days since a nationwide strike was announced by the National Weather Service Working Committee.

Maiha stated that while the management understands the urgency to address the 9-year salary issue, holding the public at ransom is uncalled for.

The management of the weather service slammed the actions of the Working Committee as the issue at hand is in the process of being addressed.

Heavy rain, flood warning issued

The NWS says: “Heavy rain, showers and occasional thunderstorms associated with the monsoon trough will be experienced thoughout the country.”

However, Western, Gulf, NCD/Central, Milne Bay, East/West New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville provinces are the main areas of concern.

These areas should expect heavy rain, severe flooding and landslides for the next couple of days.

“Heavy rains are forecasted to occur and persist over the areas mentioned within the next 24 hours.”

Lessons learnt from weather service strike

Secretary Roy Mumu confirmed the current revised departmental structure that was due for presentation last year will be revisited and adjusted in light of the strike.

Mumu said given the experiences of the last 7 days, the organisational structure for the department and its line agencies will be revisited to tie all loose ends and more importantly, account for the welfare and needs of the weather officers.

Weather service to revive stop work

It will come into effect at close of business today (January 5).

The National Weather Service says it is reviving the stop work after the Department of Transport failed, yet again, to amicably address the concerned issues on time as verbally assured.

The initial intention for this industrial action was merely placed on hold due to the following reasons:

Work underway for PNG’s early warning centre

The hub was approved by the National Executive Council in August 2016, who committed about US$350,000 to establish the facility.

The PNG multi-hazard early warning centre will be multi-disciplinary and will act as a sub-regional hub for the Pacific Islands. 

Assistant director of PNG National Weather Service (PNG NSW), Jimmy Gomoga, said whatever products made will provide services to the Pacific Island countries.

Strong winds warning issued

The PNG National Weather Service (PNG NWS) has issued a renewal strong wind warning today for all coastal waters of southern PNG.

The strong winds will also affect Daru, and Kerema, including all of Milne Bay Province and its islands, Finschhafen and Siassi islands in Morobe Province, Bogia in Madang as well as West New Britain (WNB).

The PNG NWS reports that strong southeast trade winds will prevail over the forecast waters and inland areas of Western, Milne Bay and WNB.

Strong wind warning for Southern, Momase and Manus

People living along the coast of the Southern and Momase regions including Manus Province are urged to take precaution when going out to sea.

The PNG National Weather Service has issued a renewal strong wind warning for all coastal waters of Southern PNG to Northern PNG including Vanimo, Aitape, Wewak, west of Madang and all waters of Manus.

Strong southeast winds of 25/34 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 hours causing rough seas and high wind waves.

All small crafts and boat operators are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea.