It was first noted within the South Pacific Convergence Zone at the start of December 1992, as a shallow tropical depression in the vicinity of the island nation Tuvalu.

Over the next few days the system gradually developed further as it affected Tuvalu, before it was declared to be a tropical cyclone and named Joni by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) during December 7.

Over the next couple of days the system intensified further as it was steered south-westwards and posed a threat towards the Fijian dependency of Rotuma and the French territory of Wallis and Futuna.

The main impacts of Joni in Fiji were confined to the Western Division, with the islands of Yasawa, Mamanuca, Viti Levu, Kadavu and Vatulele being the worst affected areas.

[1][4] The system subsequently slowed down and started to recurve and move southwards towards Fiji, due to a weakness in the subtropical ridge of high pressure.

[3][4] Early on December 10, the FMS reported that Joni had peaked as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone, with 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 165 km/h (105 mph).

[1] The system subsequently started to weaken and transition into an extratropical cyclone, as it entered a region of strong vertical wind shear and cooler sea waters.

[1][4] Severe Tropical Cyclone Joni impacted the island nations of Tuvalu and Fiji, while it also threatened the Fijian dependency of Rotuma and the French territory of Wallis and Futuna.

[13][15] Joni's impact on Fiji was generally confined to the Western Division, with the islands of Yasawa, Mamanuca, Viti Levu, Kadavu and Vatulele being the worst affected areas.

[1][11] The system caused high seas and widespread flooding including in several rivers on Viti Levu, which led to a substantial loss of livestock.

[21] A total of six people were subsequently arrested in Suva and Nadi on December 14, in relation to a series of burglaries, committed during power blackouts caused by the cyclone.