The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said a tropical cyclone warning is now current for the country.
It said at 11pm local time, Tropical Cyclone Maila was located 228 kilometres southwest of Ranogga Island, Western Province.
The cyclone is moving west at 7 kilometres towards Muyua Island, Papua New Guinea and intensifying.
A red alert has been issued for Western, Choiseul and Isabel Provinces.
An orange alert is now enforce for Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira, Temotu and Rennell/Bellona Provinces.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said Maila is forecast to become a severe tropical cyclone by late Sunday or early Monday.
Impacts
Widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected over all provinces.
The Meteorological Service said expect gale force winds of 63 to 87 kilometres per hour over the whole of Western Province islands with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells.
The bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.
Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road.
The Meteorological Service has urged people not to attempt to crossings rivers and large streams of unknown depth.
It said people should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical cyclone poses threats to lives and properties.
The National Disaster Management Office has co-ordinated with relevant agencies to ensure emergency operation centres around the country are prepared.
Shipping services cancelled
Shipping services travelling between Honiara and Western Province cancelled their scheduled trips this weekend due to the bad weather conditions affecting sea travel nation-wide.
The Solomon Star said Easyline (SI) Shipping Ltd announced that MV Marina 2 will not make its scheduled trip to Western Province this Saturday, 4th April 2026 due to rough seas and bad weather conditions.
The company issued a public notice informing passengers about the cancellations and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
The company stated that the cancellation will remain until further notice depending on weather conditions.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s National Weather Service says a tropical cyclone warning is effective for Milne Bay Province, especially the coastal and island communities of:
- Woodlark
- Sudest
- Misima
- Rossel Islands
- Bougainville
It said Tropical Cyclone Maila is likely to intensify into a Category 2 system in the next 6 to 12 hours.
The service has advised people to stay away from the edge of the sea and seek higher grounds until the cyclone threat passes.
