Cyclone Zuman
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zuman over Vanuatu near its peak intensity on 31 March | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 29 March 1998 |
| Dissipated | 5 April 1998 |
| Category 3 severe tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (FMS) | |
| Highest winds | 150 km/h (90 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 955 hPa (mbar); 28.20 inHg |
| Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | $6 million (1998 USD) |
| Areas affected | Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season | |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zuman was the fourteenth named storm of the 1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season. It was first noted as a tropical disturbance on 28 March, and it gradually developed further over the next day before being named Zuman on 30 March. Atmospheric convection and an upper-level anticyclone allowed it to develop quickly as it was pulled to the west. It struck the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu on 1 April at peak intensity, causing around $6 million (1998 USD) in damages there. Zuman then began weakening due to wind shear as it paralleled the coast of New Caledonia, where it transitioned to a non-tropical system. Its remnants caused heavy rain in New Zealand as it passed by on 10 April.