AUCKLAND, (AFP) - A tropical cyclone, Sose, was declared Friday north of Vanuatu. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu said Sose, also known as TC 19P, was formed out of a two day old tropical storm and was centred in the southern Coral Sea, just north of Vanuatu.

TC 19P should drift westward over the next 24 hours before showing a more southwestward track, the Center said, adding the storm will bring 3.6 metre (12 foot) high waves.

It is currently producing maximum sustained winds of 35 knots (64 kph) with gusts to 45 knots (83 kph), The cyclone is projected to move towards New Caledonia and then down the Tasman Sea towards New Zealand.

Another area being watched is a persistent area of convection 100 nautical miles northeast of , in the Arafua Sea. It has also been upgraded to a good chance of a cyclone.

Tropical Depression Walter, near Australian Cocos Islands (300 nautical miles south of Sumatra) has already reached 'Hurricane' Force with winds exceeding 65 knots and is expected to weaken again.

The current South Pacific cyclone season, which ends in June, has produced only six storms this year with Cyclone Paula early in March causing mild damage in Vanuatu.