Cyclone Liua

Liua is South Pacific's first cyclone in September for 70 years

Liua is over the Solomons' Makira Island and is forecast to develop into a category two on the scale of one to five.

Its winds are weak, but forecasters are concerned about its slow pace and heavy rains.

The official cyclone season runs from 1 November to the end of April.

Chris Brandolino of the New Zealand climate and weather office, NIWA, said Liua comes even before forecasters have put together their cyclone outlook for the region.

Pre-season cyclone forms near Solomon Islands

Cyclone season in this part of the world does not usually begin until November.

The Fiji Meteorological Service said Cyclone Liua, a category one, was west of Makira on Thursday morning, and was forecast to pass the southern islands before veering out to sea.

Its winds were about 65km/h, but these were expected to increase. The cyclone was forecast to become a category two later on Thursday, near Rennell Island.