Cyclones Judy and Kevin#Cyclone Kevin

{{Short description|Two tropical cyclones brought impacts in Vanuatu and other regions}}

{{Duplicated citations|reason=DuplicateReferences detected:

[https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt navy.mil] (refs: 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20)
[https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523prog.txt navy.mil]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} (refs: 22, 23)
[https://web.archive.org/web/20230301224035/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623web.txt navy.mil] (refs: 38, 56)
[https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt navy.mil]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} (refs: 40, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 50, 53, 55)
https://www.teaomaori.news/cyclone-kevin-bears-down-on-vanuatu-judy-continues-through-country (refs: 80, 83)

|date=October 2024}}

{{Infobox weather event

| image = Collage of Cyclones Judy and Kevin.jpg

| image-upright = 1.3

| caption = Cyclones Judy (left) and Kevin (right) near their peak intensities on 1 March and 4 March respectively

| no-history = yes

}}{{Infobox weather event/History

| as = for Cyclone Judy

| name-italics = off

| formed = 23 February 2023

| extratropical = 3 March 2023

| dissipated = 6 March 2023

| basin = SPac

}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| winds = 100

| pressure = 940

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 110

| pressure = 941

| basin = SPac

}}{{Infobox weather event/History

| as = for Cyclone Kevin

| name-italics = off

| formed = 27 February 2023

| extratropical = 5 March 2023

| dissipated = 12 March 2023

}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| winds = 125

| pressure = 913

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 135

| pressure = 918

| basin = SPac

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| areas = Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga

| casualties = None reported

| economic-year = 2023

| damages = 433000000

| refs = IBTrACS: [https://ncics.org/ibtracs/index.php?name=v04r00-2023058S13171 Judy], [https://ncics.org/ibtracs/index.php?name=v04r00-2023061S14162 Kevin]

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2022–23 Australian region and South Pacific cyclone seasons

}}

Severe Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin were a pair of intense tropical cyclones that made landfall on the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu within 48 hours of each other in March 2023. They were the fourth and fifth named storms of the 2022–23 South Pacific cyclone season respectively, as well as the second and third severe tropical cyclones of the season. By the end of February, Judy had affected the Solomon Islands, and shortly after, Kevin began to affect the country.

The origins of the tropical cyclones started with Judy forming as a tropical disturbance in the South Pacific basin southeast of Wallis and Futuna on 23 February. After continuous development from very warm sea surface temperatures, the system was classified as a tropical depression on the 26th by the Fiji Meteorological Service, shortly before the agency further upgraded its status to Category 1 the next day and assigned the name Judy to the storm. That same day, a tropical low in the Australian region formed northeast of Cooktown, Queensland. On 28 February, Judy made landfall in Efate in Vanuatu before rapidly intensifying to a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone on 1 March. The tropical low exited the region the same day, and entered the same basin as Judy, becoming marked as a tropical depression. The tropical depression strengthened and attained Category 1 strength and receive the name Kevin. Judy began to weaken from wind shear before transitioning to a subtropical cyclone, as Kevin began to also rapidly intensify from the warm waters and outflow. Kevin moved over Erromango and Tanna Island of Vanuatu on 3 March. Kevin became a Category 5 in the FMS scale on 4 March, before Kevin's structure began to rapidly degrade. Kevin underwent the same fate as Judy as it dissipated on 6 March. Kevin continued to degenerate, before its remnants were last marked on 12 March.

The nations were pounded by powerful winds and destructive seas. Vanuatu was heavily affected, being struck by both cyclones two days apart. The government asked Australia and New Zealand for aid shortly after Judy's passage. During 3 March, as Kevin was impacting the islands, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit just west of Espiritu Santo, and then a magnitude 5.5 earthquake aftershock hit the island shortly after. Nonetheless, no deaths or significant injuries have been reported in connection with either cyclone. Total damages from the two cyclones is estimated to reach 51.2 billion vatu (US$433 million).{{cite web |title=Vanuatu Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin 2023: Post Disaster Needs Assessment |date=6 July 2023 |url=https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/employment-promotion/recovery-and-reconstruction/WCMS_887257/lang--en/index.htm |publisher=International Labor Organization |access-date=24 March 2024}}

Meteorological history

= Cyclone Judy =

On 23 February, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) reported that Tropical Disturbance 08F had developed about {{convert|130|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southeast of Halalo in Wallis and Futuna.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary February 24, 2023 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20036.txt|date=23 February 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301132546/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230224/000000/A_WWPS21NFFN240000AAA_C_RJTD_20230224022517_30.txt|url-status=dead}}{{cite report|title=Fiji Climate Summary: February 2023 Volume 44 Issue 2|page=1|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Climate_Products/February%202023climateSum2023.03.07%2018.19.44.pdf|date=7 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315181939/https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Climate_Products/February%202023climateSum2023.03.07%2018.19.44.pdf|url-status=live}} At this stage, the disturbance was poorly organised as the systems low-level circulation was fully exposed, while atmospheric convection was building over the circulation's northern and eastern quadrants.{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and Southern Pacific Oceans February 24, 2023 06z|url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-24-0620-abpwweb.txt|date=24 February 2023|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224141326/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-24-0620-abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead}} Over the next couple of days, the system slowly moved westwards and gradually consolidated within a marginal environment for tropical cyclogenesis, with very warm sea surface temperatures of {{convert|29-30|C|F}} being offset by moderate to high levels of vertical wind shear.{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and Southern Pacific Oceans February 25, 2023 03:30 UTC|url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-25-0340-abpwweb.txt|date=24 February 2023|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=3 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301165314/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-25-0340-abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead}}{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert February 26, 2023 03:30z|url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-26-0340-sh9423web.txt|date=26 February 2023|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=2 March 2023|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302235239/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-02-26-0340-sh9423web.txt|url-status=dead}}

During 26 February, as the disturbance continued to develop, the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert (TCFA) on the system, while the FMS reported that 08F had developed into a tropical depression.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory February 26, 2023 12z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303004358/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230226/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN261200_C_RJTD_20230226134616_6.txt|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230226/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN261200_C_RJTD_20230226134616_6.txt|date=26 February 2023|archive-date=3 March 2023|access-date=3 March 2023}} At around 1100 VUT (00:00 UTC) on 27 February, the JTWC classified the depression as Tropical Cyclone 15P and initiated advisories on it, after they had received a bullseye ASCAT-B image which showed that winds of up to {{convert|35|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}} were occurring in the systems eastern quadrant.{{cite report|title=Prognostic Reasoning For Tropical Cyclone 15P (Fifteen) February 27, 2023 03:30z|url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-02-27-0330-sh1523prog.txt|date=27 February 2023|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=3 March 2023|archive-date=3 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303015918/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-02-27-0330-sh1523prog.txt|url-status=dead}} At around the same time, the FMS reported that the system had developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale and named it Judy, while it was located about {{convert|35|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the southeast of Fatutaka in the Solomon Islands.{{cite press release|title=Media Release 10: Tropical Cyclone Judy forms near Solomon Islands|url=https://www.facebook.com/FijiMetService/posts/pfbid0rp42789JQqjL9nF2fckg4B7D4ebTYQJ5xnsfT523LvEMR6SSGYshoGWwzcNPeYpnl|date=27 February 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040528/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFijiMetService%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0rp42789JQqjL9nF2fckg4B7D4ebTYQJ5xnsfT523LvEMR6SSGYshoGWwzcNPeYpnl|url-status=live}}{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory February 27, 2023 00z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303002221/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230227/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN270000_C_RJTD_20230227015531_17.txt|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230227/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN270000_C_RJTD_20230227015531_17.txt|date=27 February 2023|archive-date=3 March 2023|access-date=3 March 2023}} The cyclone then began to consolidate, with deepening central convection as it moved southwestward under the influence of a subtropical ridge to its southeast.{{cite JTWC|date=27 February 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=3|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-02-27-1400-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL]

File:Judy 2023-02-28 2100Z.jpg

By 09:00 UTC on 28 February, Judy had strengthened into a Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).{{cite JTWC|date=28 February 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=6|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-02-28-0830-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] Judy further developed due to high sea surface temperatures of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}, leading to the FMS to upgrade its status to Category 2 tropical cyclone the same day,{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A6|date=27 February 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=28 February 2023|access-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228164732/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230227/180000/A_WTPS11NFFN271800_C_RJTD_20230227200218_1.txt|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt}} before upgrading further to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone on 28 February.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A8|date=28 February 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=28 February 2023|access-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228164830/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230228/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN281200_C_RJTD_20230228134718_24.txt|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt}} Continuing to rapidly intensify, Judy then strengthened into a Category 2-equivalent cyclone.{{cite JTWC|date=28 February 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=8|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-02-28-2020-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] At around 22:00 UTC that same day, Judy made landfall on the island of Efate in Vanuatu, with 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|90|-|95|kn|abbr=on|km/h mph|round=5}}.{{cite JTWC|date=1 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=9|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-01-0240-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] On 1 March, the FMS reported that Judy had become a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A11|date=1 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=1 March 2023|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301133430/http://tropicalcyclonedata.net/adv/arch/wtps11_010000.txt|url=http://tropicalcyclonedata.net/adv/arch/wtps11_010000.txt}} The JTWC followed suit, upgrading the system to a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone.{{cite JTWC|date=1 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=10|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-01-0830-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] Judy then reached its peak intensity at 12:00 UTC that same day, with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|95|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}}, and 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|105|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}}.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A12|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt|date=1 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304003753/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230301/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN011200_C_RJTD_20230301135917_59.txt}}{{cite JTWC|date=1 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=11|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152832/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-02-27|access-date=15 March 2023}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-01-1430-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] However, increasing wind shear soon took a toll on the system, and by 2 March, the FMS reported that Judy's winds had bottomed to {{convert|80|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}}, becoming a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A14|date=28 February 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304004157/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230302/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN020000_C_RJTD_20230302014918_85.txt|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230302/000000/A_WTPS11NFFN020000_C_RJTD_20230302014918_85.txt}} At the same time, the JTWC downgraded the system to a Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone.{{cite JTWC|date=2 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=13|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523prog.txt|access-date=15 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-02-0200-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL]

Turning southeastward, Judy further weakened into a Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone, as unfavorable environment that consisted of cooling sea surface temperatures and high wind shear unraveled the storm's central convection.{{cite JTWC|date=2 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=15|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523prog.txt|access-date=15 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-02-1400-sh1523prog.txt Alt URL] At the same time, the FMS passed the responsibility of warning the system to the New Zealand MetService, as it left their area of responsibility.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A16|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt|date=2 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304004628/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230302/120000/A_WTPS11NFFN021200_C_RJTD_20230302135216_58.txt}}{{cite report|title=Hurricane Warning 027 for Subtropic|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt|date=2 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304004957/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Marine_Coastal_flood/20230302/185300/A_WHNZ41NZKL021853_C_RJTD_20230302185916_30.txt}} At 06:00 UTC the next day, the MetService downgraded Judy to a Category 2 tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Storm Warning 035 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtnz41.nzkl..txt|date=3 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304005252/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230303/062700/A_WTNZ41NZKL030627_C_RJTD_20230303063316_85.txt}} Three hours later, the JTWC reclassified Judy as a subtropical system, noting its central convection had been severely sheared to the southeast, partially exposing its low-level circulation center, along with significant erosion of its western peripheries due to an intrusion of a mid-level trough to its southwest.{{cite JTWC|date=3 March 2023|type=warn|category=TC|designation=15P|name=Judy|no=18|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1523warn.txt|access-date=15 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-03-03-0750-sh1523web.txt Alt URL] By 4 March, Judy had transitioned to a storm-force extratropical cyclone, with its winds weakening to gale-force 12 hours later.{{cite report|title=Storm Warning 049 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt|date=4 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304011828/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230304/010600/A_WWNZ40NZKL040106_C_RJTD_20230304011119_78.txt}}{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 056 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt|date=4 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304132326/https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt}} It was last noted as a gale-force low two days later on 6 March, about {{convert|955|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the south of Tubuai, French Polynesia, then it dissipated the same time it was last noted as a gale-force low.{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 094 for Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt|date=6 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311140621/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230306/191200/A_WWNZ40NZKL061912_C_RJTD_20230306191618_96.txt}} {{clear}}

=Cyclone Kevin=

On 27 February, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported that Tropical Low 18U had developed within a monsoonal trough of low pressure about {{convert|180|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the northeast of Cooktown in Queensland.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Outlook for Coral Sea February 27, 2023 04:30 UTC|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/cyclone.shtml|date=27 February 2023|accessdate=4 March 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304143440/https://paladinofstorms.net/meteo/archiver2/bom_outlook_east/20230227_0845_bom_outlook_east.html|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology}}{{cite report|title=Solomon Islands Special Advisory Number 1 February 27, 2023 02:55 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwps22.abrf..txt|date=27 February 2023|accessdate=4 March 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304144747/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230227/025500/A_WWPS22ABRF270255_C_RJTD_20230227025617_58.txt|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology}} At that time, the low had a poorly organised low-level circulation center, however was improving as the environment for tropical cyclogenesis became more favorable, with {{convert|29-30|C|F}} sea surface temperatures, moderate wind shear, and weak equatorial outflow aloft.{{cite JTWC|type=abpw|time=1830Z|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|date=27 February 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230227222416/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|reissued=1|archive-date=27 February 2023|access-date=27 February 2023}} Over the next day, the system progressed eastwards while gradually organizing, with its low-level circulation center being displaced to the east of deep convection.{{cite report|title=Solomon Islands Special Advisory Number 11 issued at 1909 UTC on 28 February 2023|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwps22.abrf..txt|date=28 February 2023|accessdate=15 March 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304014233/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/ABRF/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230228/190900/A_WWPS22ABRF281909_C_RJTD_20230228191016_20.txt|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology}} During 1 March, the JTWC issued a TCFA on the system, while the BoM passed the responsibility of warning the system to the FMS as it entered the South Pacific basin, designating the system as Tropical Depression 09F.{{cite JTWC|date=1 March 2023|type=tcfa|designation=96P|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9623web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117093721/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh9623web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-03-01-1510-sh9623web.txt Alt URL]{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary For area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W issued at Mar 011502 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwps21.nffn..txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|date=1 March 2023|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301165151/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230301/150000/A_WWPS21NFFN011500CCA_C_RJTD_20230301160330_18.txt}}

File:Kevin 2023-03-03 0240Z.jpg

At 21:00 UTC that same day, 09F strengthened into a Category 1 tropical cyclone in the Australian scale, with the FMS naming it as Kevin.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B2 issued at Mar 012318 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=1 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304024900/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230301/210000/A_WTPS12NFFN012100_C_RJTD_20230301231916_10.txt}} The JTWC subsequently followed suit and initiated advisories on the system.{{cite JTWC|date=1 March 2023|type=warn|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Sixteen|no=1|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301224035/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623web.txt}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-03-01-1950-sh1623web.txt Alt URL] Moving east-southeast under the influence of a subtropical ridge in the same direction, Kevin intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone three hours later, as deep convection tightly wrapped its partially exposed low-level circulation center.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B3 issued at Mar 020151 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=2 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304025723/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230302/000000/A_WTPS12NFFN020000_C_RJTD_20230302015218_90.txt}}{{cite JTWC|date=2 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=2|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-02-0250-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] At 18:00 UTC on 2 March, Kevin intensified into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B6 issued at Mar 022004 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=2 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304030500/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230302/180000/A_WTPS12NFFN021800_C_RJTD_20230302200517_55.txt}} The JTWC subsequently upgraded the system into a Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone in the Saffir-Simpson scale three hours later, as a large central dense overcast (CDO) developed over its low-level circulation center.{{cite JTWC|date=2 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=5|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-02-2010-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL]

Owing to a favorable environment of warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shear and moderate radial outflow, Kevin intensified to a Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone by the next day,{{cite JTWC|date=3 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=7|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-03-0800-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] before undergoing a phase of rapid intensification.{{cite JTWC|date=4 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=10|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-04-0250-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] At 18:00 UTC that same day, the FMS reported that Kevin further intensified to a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B10 issued at Mar 031937 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=3 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304031925/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230303/180000/A_WTPS12NFFN031800_C_RJTD_20230303194517_69.txt}} The JTWC subsequently upgraded the system to a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone three hours later, as it moved over Erromango and Tanna Island in Vanuatu,{{cite JTWC|date=3 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=9|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-03-2050-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] before it cleared up a {{convert|21|nmi|km}} eye, which made Kevin reach its peak intensity by 4 March. At the same time, the FMS followed suit and upgraded the system to a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B11 issued at Mar 040112 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=4 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304032758/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230304/000000/A_WTPS12NFFN040000_C_RJTD_20230304011316_1.txt}} Kevin then reached its peak intensity at 06:00 UTC that same day according to the FMS, with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|115|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out|round=5}}.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B12 issued at Mar 040746 UTC|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20033.txt|date=4 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=4 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230304081558/https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1%2320033.txt}} However, cooling sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear made the system weaken to a Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone nine hours later, as the storm's structure began to unravel on satellite imagery.{{cite JTWC|date=4 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=12|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-04-1450-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] By 18:00 UTC that same day, the FMS downgraded Kevin to a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone, with the JTWC subsequently downgrading the system to a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone, noting the significant deterioration of its convective structure.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number B14 issued at Mar 041931 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtps12.nffn..txt|date=4 March 2023|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311124401/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230304/180000/A_WTPS12NFFN041800_C_RJTD_20230304193717_91.txt}}{{cite JTWC|date=4 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|no=13|name=Kevin|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-04-2050-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] The FMS passed the responsibility of warning the system to the MetService on 5 March, as it left its area of responsibility while continuing east-southeast.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Warning 065 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt|date=5 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311124756/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Marine_Coastal_flood/20230305/003700/A_WHNZ41NZKL050037_C_RJTD_20230305004416_1.txt}}

At the same time, the JTWC further downgraded Kevin to a Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone, as it continued to rapidly weaken.{{cite JTWC|date=5 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=14|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-05-0310-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] By 06:00 UTC that same day, the MetService reported that Kevin further weakened to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Warning 066 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt|date=5 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311124943/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Marine_Coastal_flood/20230305/064100/A_WHNZ41NZKL050641_C_RJTD_20230305064616_4.txt}} The JTWC subsequently downgraded the system to a Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone,{{cite JTWC|date=5 March 2023|type=prog|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=15|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623prog.txt|access-date=16 March 2023}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/prog/2023-03-05-0830-sh1623prog.txt Alt URL] before reclassifying Kevin as a subtropical cyclone and issuing their final advisory nine hours later, as the low-level circulation center became partially exposed due to convection becoming decoupled southeastwards.{{cite JTWC|date=5 March 2023|type=warn|category=TC|designation=16P|name=Kevin|no=16|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623web.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301224035/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/sh1623web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-03-01|access-date=16 March 2023}} [https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2023-03-05-1510-sh1623web.txt Alt URL] The MetService further downgraded Kevin to a Category 2 tropical cyclone at 18:00 UTC that same day, before it transitioned into a gale-force extratropical cyclone by 6 March.{{cite report|title=Storm Warning 075 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtnz41.nzkl..txt|date=5 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311125256/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20230305/184000/A_WTNZ41NZKL051840_C_RJTD_20230305184716_1.txt}}{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 083 for Subtropic and Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt|date=6 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311125526/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230306/001100/A_WWNZ40NZKL060011_C_RJTD_20230306001331_11.txt}} The remnants of the system continued southeastwards, before weakening below gale-force late on 8 March.{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 118 for Pacific|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ww/wwnz40.nzkl..txt|date=8 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311131645/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20230308/121900/A_WWNZ40NZKL081219_C_RJTD_20230308122318_81.txt}}{{cite report|title=Marine Weather Bulletin for Pacific issued at 081818 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/fq/fqps45.nzkl..txt|date=8 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311132020/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Forecast/Other_shipping/20230308/181800/A_FQPS45NZKL081818_C_RJTD_20230308182217_79.txt}} Kevin's remnants were last noted in the MetService's bulletins on 11 March, before fully dissipating by the next day as it was absorbed by a warm front.{{cite report|title=Marine Weather Bulletin for Pacific issued at 110607 UTC|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/fq/fqps45.nzkl..txt|date=11 March 2023|publisher=New Zealand MetService|archive-date=11 March 2023|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230311133228/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NZKL/Alphanumeric/Forecast/Other_shipping/20230311/060700/A_FQPS45NZKL110607_C_RJTD_20230311061746_76.txt}}{{cite web|title=South-West Pacific Surface Pressure Map - New Zealand MetService|url=https://www.metservice.com/maps-radar/surface-pressure/southwest-pacific|publisher=New Zealand Meteorological Service|date=12 March 2023|accessdate=12 March 2023|archive-date=12 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312162240/https://www.metservice.com/maps-radar/surface-pressure/southwest-pacific}}

Effects

File:Vanuatu ECHO Daily Map 3 March 2023.png (DG ECHO) daily situation map for Vanuatu on 3 March|263x263px]]

=Solomon Islands=

On 26 February, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) started to issue special weather bulletins, which warned that Judy was expected to cause gale-force winds, rough seas, moderate to heavy swells and costal flooding over southern parts of Temotu Province within 12 - 24 hours.{{cite report|title=Special Weather Bulletin Number One 26 February 2023 16:00 SBT|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/SIweather/posts/6088773067846494/|date=26 February 2023|publisher=Solomon Islands Meteorological Service|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-date=17 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317001550/https://www.facebook.com/groups/SIweather/posts/6088773067846494/|url-status=live}} They also noted that strong winds of {{convert|20|-|30|kn|km/h mph|round=5|abbr=on|order=out}}, moderate to rough seas, heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected to develop over most provinces, as Kevin's precursor tropical low moved towards the islands of Rennell and Bellona Province. After Judy had been named, the SIMS issued a tropical cyclone warning for Temotu Province and a tropical disturbance warning for the rest of the Solomon Islands.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Warning Number One 27 February 2023 14:00 SBT|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/SIweather/posts/6091872487536552/|date=27 February 2023|publisher=Solomon Islands Meteorological Service|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040523/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2FSIweather%2Fposts%2F6091872487536552%2F|url-status=live}}{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Warning Number Two 27 February 2023 20:12 SBT|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/SIweather/posts/6092539664136501/|date=27 February 2023|publisher=Solomon Islands Meteorological Service|access-date=16 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040516/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2FSIweather%2Fposts%2F6092539664136501%2F|url-status=live}}

Cyclone Judy impacted the Solomon Islands at the end of February while the system that became Kevin started affecting the nation soon after. Strong winds and damaging waves battered the many islands of the nation for days. Schools and businesses were shuttered across Honiara due to the winds. The vessel M/V Vatud Star ran aground due to a rogue wave. A small boat carrying passengers en route from Honiara to Central Province sank due to rough waves, but all of them managed to swim to safety.{{cite news|first=Jimmy|last=Nolan|newspaper=Solomon Times|date=2 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Wild Weather Smashes Honiara|url=https://www.solomontimes.com/news/wild-weather-smashes-honiara/12451|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306162805/https://www.solomontimes.com/news/wild-weather-smashes-honiara/12451|url-status=live}} Tidal waves produced by the storms destroyed 12 homes in West Honiara.{{cite news|newspaper=Solomon Star|first=Charles|last=Kadama|date=2 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Tidal waves destroy homes|url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/tidal-waves-destroy-homes/|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306231145/https://www.solomonstarnews.com/tidal-waves-destroy-homes/|url-status=live}} Communications with Lata were interrupted.

=Vanuatu=

==Preparations==

On 27 February, the Government of Vanuatu issued yellow alerts for Torba, Sanma, Penama, and Malampa Provinces and blue alerts for Shefa and Tafea Provinces ahead of Cyclone Judy's arrival.{{cite web|agency=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|via=ReliefWeb|date=27 February 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu - Tropical cyclone FIFTEEN (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD) (ECHO Daily Flash of 27 February 2022)|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclone-fifteen-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-echo-daily-flash-27-february-2022|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040513/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclone-fifteen-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-echo-daily-flash-27-february-2022|url-status=live}} The four provinces under yellow were soon placed under red alerts as the cyclone progressed along a north to south path through the country.{{cite web|agency=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|via=ReliefWeb|date=28 February 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu, Solomon Islands - Tropical cyclone JUDY, update (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, UNOSAT-UNITAR, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 28 February 2023)|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-solomon-islands-tropical-cyclone-judy-update-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-unosat-unitar-media-echo-daily-flash-28-february-2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040516/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-solomon-islands-tropical-cyclone-judy-update-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-unosat-unitar-media-echo-daily-flash-28-february-2023|url-status=live}} The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) opened public shelters in Port Vila. The NDMO worked with the Vanuatu Christian Council of Churches to establish shelters at churches in the remainder of Efate and neighboring smaller islands. Local volunteers coordinated with international agencies to warn residents of the storm and provide safety information. Schools and businesses were closed nationwide and Air Vanuatu cancelled all flights.{{cite news|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|first=Prianka|last=Srinivasan|date=28 February 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Cyclone Judy make landfall in Vanuatu|url=https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/vanuatu-cyclone-judy/102037478|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306210345/https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/vanuatu-cyclone-judy/102037478|url-status=live}} UNICEF reported it had response personnel pre-deployed in Vanuatu. The agency had emergency stockpiles in place across the country, including hygiene kits, health kits, tents, and tarpaulins to support more than 20,000 people.{{cite web|agency=UNICEF|via=ReliefWeb|date=2 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=UNICEF Vanuatu Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1 (Cyclone JUDY): 02 March 2023|url=https://reliefweb.int/attachments/9093f7f9-5733-4911-82c2-7af44e71fc77/UNICEF%20Vanuatu%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%201%20%28Cyclone%20JUDY%29%2C%2002%20March%202023.pdf|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311140724/https://reliefweb.int/attachments/9093f7f9-5733-4911-82c2-7af44e71fc77/UNICEF%20Vanuatu%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%201%20(Cyclone%20JUDY)%2C%2002%20March%202023.pdf|url-status=live}} Care International pre-positioned household supplies and building materials in Port Vila and Tanna.{{cite web|agency=Care International|via=ReliefWeb|date=1 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu capital battered by hurricane force winds as Cyclone Judy intensifies and heads south|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-capital-battered-hurricane-force-winds-cyclone-judy-intensifies-and-heads-south}}

Ahead of Cyclone Kevin's arrival on 3 March, hundreds of residents fled to public shelters.{{cite news|first=Joel|last=Guinto|publisher=BBC|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu: Pacific nation reels from twin cyclones and earthquake|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64832870|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306192742/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64832870|url-status=live}}

==Impact==

File:Cyclones Judy and Kevin impacting Vanuatu.gif

The entirety of Vanuatu was impacted one or both of the cyclones in a four-day period. According to DG ECHO, the entire population experienced winds of at least {{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}; approximately 251,000 people or about 80 percent of the population were affected by Category 2–3 winds, of whom 150,000 were affected by Category 3–4 winds. Early assessments indicated the worst damage to be in Malapa, Penama, and Shefa Provinces. The storms severed access to running water in these areas and runoff contamination rendered river waters unsafe for consumption.{{cite web|agency=United Nations Children's Fund|via=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=UNICEF Vanuatu Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2: 02-04 March 2023|url=https://reliefweb.int/attachments/2bd60f38-05d0-4d0a-a7ae-c828ea0e5409/UNICEF%20Vanuatu%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%202%20-%2002-04%20March%202023.pdf|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311111620/https://reliefweb.int/attachments/2bd60f38-05d0-4d0a-a7ae-c828ea0e5409/UNICEF%20Vanuatu%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%202%20-%2002-04%20March%202023.pdf|url-status=live}} Extensive power outages occurred, with Port Vila remaining offline through 4 March. Bauerfield International Airport sustained damage. Satellite analyses of imagery from the Sentinel-2 by UNOSAT on 4 March revealed extensive damage in Shefa Province with potential storm surge damage along the west coast of Efate Island. Damaged structures were found on Aniwa Island and Erromango in Tafea Province.{{cite web|agency=UNOSAT|via=ReliefWeb|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Tropical Cyclone Judy and Kevin, Preliminary satellite-derived damage assessment - 06 March 2023|url=https://reliefweb.int/attachments/9c28516f-8393-4ce5-8f49-920ae2d2fc33/UNOSAT_Preliminary_Assessment_Report_TC20230227VUT_Vanuatu_05Mar2023%20.pdf|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311140109/https://reliefweb.int/attachments/9c28516f-8393-4ce5-8f49-920ae2d2fc33/UNOSAT_Preliminary_Assessment_Report_TC20230227VUT_Vanuatu_05Mar2023%20.pdf|url-status=live}}

Cyclone Judy brought hurricane-force winds to Efate on 28 February, and its eye passed directly over the capital city of Port Vila.{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Perry|newspaper=Muswellbrook Chronicle|date=28 February 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Cyclone Judy lashes Vanuatu as residents hunker down|url=https://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/story/8104695/cyclone-judy-lashes-vanuatu-as-residents-hunker-down/|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306212143/https://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/story/8104695/cyclone-judy-lashes-vanuatu-as-residents-hunker-down/|url-status=live}} Erromango and Tanna lost all communications on 1 March,{{cite news|publisher=Te Ao Māori News|date=2 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Cyclone Kevin bears down on Vanuatu as Judy continues through the country|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/cyclone-kevin-bears-down-on-vanuatu-judy-continues-through-country|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306110248/https://www.teaomaori.news/cyclone-kevin-bears-down-on-vanuatu-judy-continues-through-country|url-status=live}} with the latter remaining isolated nearly a week later.{{cite news|website=Stuff.co.nz|first=Christine|last=Rovoi|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu cyclones: No word yet from Kiwis on cut-off Tanna Island|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/131413638/vanuatu-cyclones-no-word-yet-from-kiwis-on-cutoff-tanna-island|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306053824/https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/131413638/vanuatu-cyclones-no-word-yet-from-kiwis-on-cutoff-tanna-island|url-status=live}} Tropical Cyclone Judy has been bringing heavy rain and strong winds, and requiring the evacuation of residents from the capital, Port Vila.{{Cite web |title=Tropical Cyclone Judy hits Vanuatu, with another on its way |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/1/tropical-cyclone-judy-hits-vanuatu-with-another-on-its-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306110249/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/1/tropical-cyclone-judy-hits-vanuatu-with-another-on-its-way |archive-date=6 March 2023 |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=aljazeera.com}} Strong winds from Judy tore the roof off the infant ward at the Vanuatu Central Hospital. However, there are no reports of deaths or serious injuries in Port Vila from Cyclone Judy.{{Cite news |title=Cyclone Kevin bears down on Vanuatu as Judy continues through the country |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/cyclone-kevin-bears-down-on-vanuatu-judy-continues-through-country |access-date=6 March 2023 |website=Māori Television |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306110248/https://www.teaomaori.news/cyclone-kevin-bears-down-on-vanuatu-judy-continues-through-country |url-status=live }}

As Cyclone Kevin was impacting the nation on 3 March, a {{M|w}}6.5 earthquake struck just west of Espiritu Santo at a depth of {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The earthquake had a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VI, indicating strong shaking conditions.{{cite web|agency=National Earthquake Information Center|publisher=United States Geological Survey|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=M 6.5 - Vanuatu|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usd000j5jt/executive|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302210656/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usd000j5jt/executive|url-status=live}} The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated no risk of a tsunami.{{cite report|publisher=Pacific Tsunami Warning Center|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Tsunami Information Statement Number 1|url=https://www.tsunami.gov/events/PHEB/2023/03/02/23061000/1/WEPA42/WEPA42.txt|archivedate=6 March 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306192314/https://www.tsunami.gov/events/PHEB/2023/03/02/23061000/1/WEPA42/WEPA42.txt|format=.txt}} A magnitude 5.5 earthquake aftershock struck the island shortly after.{{Cite web |date=4 March 2023 |title=Earthquakes, cyclone rattle Vanuatu |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/04/news/world/earthquakes-cyclone-rattle-vanuatu/1881233 |access-date=20 March 2023 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}

=Elsewhere=

On 28 February, New Zealand's MetService noted a risk of strong winds and large waves for New Caledonia as Cyclone Judy passed to the northeast.{{cite web|agency=Council for International Development|via=ReliefWeb|date=28 February 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Powerful Cyclone Judy hits Vanuatu|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/powerful-cyclone-judy-hits-vanuatu|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318040533/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/powerful-cyclone-judy-hits-vanuatu|url-status=live}} A pre-cyclone alert was raised for the Loyalty Islands Province on 2 March as Kevin passed to the northeast.

The Tonga Meteorological Service stated that the cyclones would likely remain far enough away to not have much impact; however, a small chance existed for Kevin to affect the kingdom.{{cite news|website=Stuff.co.nz|first=Christine|last=Rovoi|date=4 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu declares state of emergency as Pacific reels from impacts of multiple storms and quake hits island nation|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/131391223/vanuatu-declares-state-of-emergency-as-pacific-reels-from-impacts-of-multiple-storms-and-quake-hits-island-nation|archive-date=5 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305014459/https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/131391223/vanuatu-declares-state-of-emergency-as-pacific-reels-from-impacts-of-multiple-storms-and-quake-hits-island-nation|url-status=live}} During the overnight of 4–5 March, Kevin entered Tonga's territorial waters in the ʻOtu Muʻomuʻa group of islands near Tele-ki-Tokelau and Tele-ki Tonga. As of 6 March no damage was reported.{{cite news|publisher=Matangi Tonga Online|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Kevin no longer a threat|url=https://matangitonga.to/2023/03/07/severe-tropical-cyclone-kevin-no-longer-threat|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306213343/https://matangitonga.to/2023/03/07/severe-tropical-cyclone-kevin-no-longer-threat|url-status=live}}

Although Kevin remained far to the south and west of Fiji on 3–4 March, associated inclement weather stemming from a trough prompted the issuance of heavy rain warnings for Ba, Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Nadroga-Navosa, and Ra provinces.{{cite news|newspaper=The Fiji Times|first=Tomoci|last=Vula|date=5 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=STC Kevin weakens to category 4|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-kevin-weakens-to-category-4/|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306063828/https://www.fijitimes.com/stc-kevin-weakens-to-category-4/|url-status=live}} The Fiji Meteorological Service warned that the southernmost islands could see winds of {{convert|45|to|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} along with damaging ocean swells. Strong winds felled a royal poinciana tree in Naikabula, Ba Province, destroying a home in the process.{{cite news|newspaper=The Fiji Times|first=Navnesh|last=Reddy|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Kevin flattens Lautoka home|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/kevin-flattens-lautoka-home/|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306084543/https://www.fijitimes.com/kevin-flattens-lautoka-home/|url-status=live}}

Aftermath

=Solomon Islands=

A damage assessment was initiated on 9 March in response to the tropical cyclones by the National Disaster Council and the National Disaster Operations Committee in the Solomon Islands. A patrol boat was sent to transport emergency relief supplies for Anuta and Tikopia. The National Emergency Operation Center sent their gratitude towards the New Zealand Government for their financial support for the deployment.{{cite web|publisher=Solomon Islands Government|url=https://solomons.gov.sb/ndc-and-n-doc-deploys-assessment-team-to-support-temotu-p-doc/|date=10 March 2023|access-date=16 April 2023|title=NDC and N-DOC Deploys Assessment Team to Support Temotu P-DOC}} After completion, it was noted that water sources had high turbidity and reservoirs in Tikopia were damaged by landslides caused by the tropical cyclones. People relied on coconut water and water tanks provided by the government. In Anuta, cassava and taro crops were also damaged by landslides. The New Zealand Government, Australian Government, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, and World Vision Solomon Islands, all provided food and non-food sources to both islands.{{cite web|publisher=Solomon Islands Government|url=https://solomons.gov.sb/multi-sectoral-assessment-for-tikopia-and-anuta-completed/|date=20 March 2023|access-date=14 May 2023|title=Multi-Sectoral Assessment for Tikopia and Anuta completed}}

=Vanuatu=

The Government of Vanuatu declared a state of emergency on 2 March.{{cite web|agency=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|via=ReliefWeb|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu - Tropical cyclones update and earthquakes (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, Reliefweb, USGS) (ECHO Daily Flash of 03 March 2023)|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclones-update-and-earthquakes-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-reliefweb-usgs-echo-daily-flash-03-march-2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304114127/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclones-update-and-earthquakes-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-reliefweb-usgs-echo-daily-flash-03-march-2023|url-status=live}} Shortly after Judy's passage, the Government requested international assistance from Australia and New Zealand. The former pledged to provide water, medical supplies, and damage assessment teams by 6 March. In accordance with the FRANZ agreement the New Zealand High Commission headed coordination with Australia, France, and New Zealand for relief efforts. Within two days, two C-17 Globemaster aircraft reached Port Vila carrying the initial supplies and a 12-person rapid response team. On 5 March, the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Canberra set sail from Sydney, Australia, toward Vanuatu. The ship carried 600 Australian Defence Force personnel, three CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and landing craft for deployment. The ship could also serve as a mobile hospital.{{cite web|agency=Government of Australia|via=ReliefWeb|date=5 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=HMAS Canberra to deploy to Vanuatu|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/hmas-canberra-deploy-vanuatu|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307112751/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/hmas-canberra-deploy-vanuatu|url-status=live}} World Vision Australia set up a disaster center to distribute supplies in Port Vila.{{cite news|first=Rachael|last=Ward|newspaper=Macquarie Port News|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Assistance on the way as Vanuatu reels from cyclones|url=https://www.portnews.com.au/story/8108576/assistance-on-the-way-as-vanuatu-reels-from-cyclones/|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306210347/https://www.portnews.com.au/story/8108576/assistance-on-the-way-as-vanuatu-reels-from-cyclones/|url-status=live}} New Zealand, still reeling from the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, deployed a C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying water, temporary shelter kits, and hygiene kits on 4 March. A seven-member team was also sent to assist in response coordination. Furthermore, the Government made a NZ$150,000 cash donation to Vanuatu.{{cite web|agency=Government of New Zealand|date=5 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Aotearoa New Zealand sends relief to Vanuatu|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/aotearoa-new-zealand-sends-relief-vanuatu|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307112751/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/aotearoa-new-zealand-sends-relief-vanuatu|url-status=live}} Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape offered assistance to Vanuatu on 6 March.{{cite news|publisher=Loop|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=PM assures support to disaster struck areas|url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pm-assures-support-disaster-struck-areas-118193|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306215431/https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pm-assures-support-disaster-struck-areas-118193|url-status=live}}

UNICEF sent a 16-member team to Vanuatu to conduct needs assessments and assist in supply distribution by 4 March. They partnered with the Vanuatu Red Cross Society by 4 March to distribute emergency supplies to affected residents. The agency also pledged additional supplies from stockpiles in Fiji. DG ECHO sent their Rapid Response Coordinator to conduct a needs assessment on 6 March.{{cite web|agency=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|via=ReliefWeb|date=6 March 2023|accessdate=6 March 2023|title=Vanuatu - Tropical cyclones JUDY (update) and KEVIN (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 06 March 2023)|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclones-judy-update-and-kevin-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-media-echo-daily-flash-06-march-2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307112751/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-tropical-cyclones-judy-update-and-kevin-gdacs-jtwc-vmgd-media-echo-daily-flash-06-march-2023|url-status=live}}

Digicel suspended call fees to Vanuatu from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Nauru from 6 to 19 March.

Retirement

As a result of the impacts in Vanuatu, the names Judy and Kevin were retired after the season, and they will never be used again for tropical cyclones in this basin. They were replaced by Josese and Kirio for future seasons.{{RA V Tropical cyclone operational plan}}