Hi Kerry, it does not look too encouraging based on the latest info from Fiji:
http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20032.txtTropical Disturbance Advisory Number A5 issued from RSMC NADI
Jan 31/0241 UTC 2006 UTC.
Tropical Cyclone JIM [955hPa] centre was located near 20.6 South
166.5 East at 310000 UTC. Position fair based on MTSAT VIS imagery
with animation and peripheral surface report. Cyclone moving
southeast at about 20 knots. Maximum 10-minute average winds near the
centre estimated at about 80 knots, decreasing to 70 knots in the
next 6 to 12 hours. Expect winds over 47 knots within 60 miles of
centre and over 33 knots within 120 miles of the centre.
System now appears to become sheared as continues it drifting
southeast. CDO now begining to become detached from LLCC. Cyclone
lies in northwest steering flow, north and a large baroclinic low
near Norfolk island. Outflow restricted in SE quadrant. CIMMS
indicates Jim is moving into an increased sheared environment to the
south. Dvorak analysis based on CDO yields T4.5. PT=4.5 and MET =5.0.
FT based on DT yielding T4.5/5.0/S0.0/24hrs. Interaction with the New
Caledonia landmass and cooler SSTs south of New Caledonia is expected
to weaken Jim further. Global models generally agree on a southeast
track with rapid weakening.
FORECAST:
12hrs valid at 311200 UTC near 22.8S 168.9E mov SE at 15kt with 65kt
close to the centre
24hrs valid at 010000 UTC near 25.0S 171.0E mov SE at 15kt with 50kt
close to the centre
OUTLOOK:
36hrs valid at 011200 UTC near 26.3S 172.2E mov SE at 14kt with 40kt
close to the centre
48hrs valid at 020000 UTC near 27.3S 172.1E mov SSW at 05kt with 35kt
close to the centre
The next Tropical Disturbance Advisory on Tropical Cyclone JIM will
be issued around 310800 UTC.