Heavy rain warning now cancelled

Heavy Rain warning that was in force for Fiji is now cancelled. Tropical Depression (TD17F) centre [999HPA] was located near 17.8 South latitude and 179.6 West longitude or about 100km west-northwest of Lakeba and 110km south-southeast of Taveuni at midday yesterday. TD17F is moving southeast at about 16km/hr away from the group. The associated active rain band that was causing heavy rain over the country has eased and the heavy rain warning that was previously in force to the whole of Fiji is now cancelled. However, associated cloud bands are expected to affect the eastern parts of the country till tonight. Occasional showers over Lau and Lomaiviti group, eastern and interior of larger islands can be expected. Elsewhere, fine apart from isolated afternoon or evening showers.

Strong Wind Warning A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for the land areas of Lau and Lomaiviti group, Eastern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and is now cancelled for other land areas. Over land: strong clockwise winds with average speed of 55km/hr and gusts to 85 km/hr over Lau and Lomaiviti group, eastern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands. Winds becoming predominantly southeasterly and easing from today. Elsewhere, moderate to fresh southeast winds, gusty at times.

Flood Warning A flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas adjacent to Rakiraki River. A flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas adjacent to Dreketilailai station and downstream to Boubale Bridge at Bulileka and Qawa River, low lying areas and adjacent to Dewala, Labasa River including Labasa Town and low lying areas adjacent to Wailotua station.

A flood alert remains in force for the low lying areas adjacent to Navolau station and downstream of Rewa River;

The flood alert that was previously in force for all small streams, creeks and low lying areas adjacent to major rivers for the whole of Vanua Levu. The flood alerts and warnings are expected to be cancelled tonight as weather further improves.

A strong wind warning remains in force for all Fiji waters. Over Waters: Clockwise winds 25 to 30 knots gusting to 45 knots. Winds becoming predominantly southeasterly from tomorrow. For Rotuma: The strong wind warning that was previously in force for Rotuma Land and Waters is now cancelled.

The general public is advised that to remain alert and prepared at all times. Furthermore, take forecast, warnings and advisories seriously and make timely and informed decision(s). Keep updated with the latest weather bulletins and take alerts and warnings seriously when they are issued. For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj Source: Fiji Meteorological Service