Cyclone season has started in the Pacific and is expected to continue through April 2026. According to the U.S. Embassy, multiple cyclones typically affect the region each year, and they can impact any area in the Pacific.
U.S. citizens living in or traveling to these areas are advised to monitor cyclone developments closely and follow emergency guidance from local authorities. The embassy notes that past storms have led to U.S. citizens being stranded due to damaged infrastructure, limited flights, suspended public transportation, or closed roads.
Each country and territory in the Pacific issues cyclone alerts through its meteorological service and distributes emergency information via various channels:
- In Fiji, alerts come from the Fiji Meteorological Service and RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre, with updates shared by the Disaster Management Office through SMS, radio, and social media (http://www.met.gov.fj).
- Tonga’s Meteorological Service provides warnings while its National Emergency Management Office coordinates emergency alerts via radio, television, and SMS (http://www.met.gov.to).
- Tuvalu’s Meteorological Service issues alerts with dissemination handled by the National Disaster Management Office using radio and community networks (https://tuvmet.tv).
- Kiribati receives fewer cyclones but still relies on its meteorological service for warnings; emergency messages are broadcast by the President’s Office (https://www.met.gov.ki).
- Nauru’s Meteorological Service sends out alerts while National Emergency Services make announcements over radio and within communities (https://www.naurumet.com).
- New Caledonia gets cyclone updates from Météo-France New Caledonia with civil security authorities sharing information across media platforms (https://www.meteo.nc).
- French Polynesia also uses Météo-France for weather alerts with emergency details provided by civil protection services on multiple channels (https://www.meteo.pf).
- Wallis & Futuna receive their cyclone information from Météo-France Wallis & Futuna with civil security distributing news via radio and community networks (https://www.meteo.nc).
The embassy recommends preparing a waterproof kit containing bottled water, non-perishable food items, medications, and important documents. It cautions that emergency shelters may only offer basic resources with limited medical or food supplies.
“U.S. citizens throughout the Pacific should pay careful attention to trusted local media and follow the instructions of local authorities in preparing for these storms.”
For assistance during cyclone season:
U.S. Embassy Suva can be reached at +(679) 331-4466 or SuvaACS@state.gov.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for security updates.
Further contact options include State Department Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.
Updates are also available on Facebook and Twitter.