After crossing Vanuatu and emerging into the Coral Sea, the storm began to intensify, and by January 6, had attained peak intensity.

[3] The storm subsequently impacted northern Vanuatu during January 3, while the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) initiated advisories on the system and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 16P.

[2][4] Later that day, after the storm had moved into the Coral Sea the system started to rapidly intensify, as vertical wind shear decreased.

[nb 1][1] After being named, Drena continued to move westwards and rapidly develop, with an eye becoming clearly defined on satellite imagery.

[5] As a result of the rapid development, the system became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone during January 4, as it moved out of the South Pacific basin and into the Australian region.

[2] During January 5, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that the system had peaked as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone, with 10-minute sustained wind speeds estimated at 165 km/h (105 mph) and a central pressure of 935 hPa (27.61 inHg).

[2][1] The system subsequently brushed the west coast of New Caledonia, as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone between January 7–8.

[8] The system subsequently crossed New Zealand's North Island near Wanganui, before its centre reformed off the coast of Hawke's Bay during January 11.

[9] It then became unclear where Drena's remnants went, but a low was observed to the east of Canterbury which moved away from the South Island slowly during January 12.

[1] As a result of the impact caused by the system the name Drena was retired after the season had ended, by the World Meteorological Organization's RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee.

[7][13] Ahead of Drena impacting New Caledonia, the French territory was placed on maximum alert, with residents told to stay indoors during the cyclone.

[14] The system subsequently moved down and impacted most of New Caledonia's West Coast between January 7–8, but spared the capital: Nouméa any major damage.

[15][17] After Drena had impacted New Caledonia it moved south-eastwards and passed over Norfolk Island, while transitioning into an extra-tropical cyclone.