Tropical Cyclone Judy hits Vanuatu [Video]

Evacuations are underway as the pacific island of Vanuatu is hit by heavy rain and gale force winds as Cyclone Judy crosses the country.

Residents were barricading themselves inside as a red alert was issued by authorities in the country’s capital Port Villa, meaning people shouldn’t leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

The cyclone is currently a category four cyclone but it is expected to intensify to a category five at 6pm local time, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service.

The cyclone is expected to be at category five for six hours before de-intensifying in the morning.

Winds are expected to peak around 198km/h.

Authorities said that there were power outages in some areas and many fallen trees and branches, but it was too early to assess the extent of the damage with Cyclone Judy still raging.

They said there were no initial reports of major …