Tropical disturbance moves towards Fiji
The Fiji Meteorological Office has issued a strong wind warning and forecast heavy rain for Fiji as a tropical disturbance moves towards the country.
As the disturbance, TDO4F moves closer to Fiji, it is likely to develop into a Tropical Depression and with a low to moderate chance of developing into a cyclone.
Fiji Meteorology director Ravind Kumar said an active trough of low pressure associated with cloud and rain was slow moving over the country.
In the meantime, a Tropical Disturbance (TD04F) lies within this active trough to the far northwest of Fiji and is expected to affect the country throughout the weekend and possibly into early next week.
In anticipation of the TD04F moving towards the group over the weekend, the following warnings remain in force:
* A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for all land areas of Fiji excluding Rotuma
* A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for all Fiji Waters including Rotuma
* A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force for Fiji. Mr Kumar said TD04F lay in a favourable environmental condition and it was expected to gradually intensify into a Tropical Depression as it moved towards Fiji in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“It has a low to moderate chance of developing into a Tropical Cyclone over Fiji Waters,” he said.
“On its forecasted movement, it is anticipated to pass close to Fiji and bring heavy rain and strong winds from tonight.”
As TD04F comes closer to Fiji over the weekend, rain is expected to gradually increase from occasional to periods and become frequent with squally thunderstorms over the group from tonight. Isolated heavy rain have started to affect Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa and the Northern Viti Levu. It will gradually spread over the rest of Fiji tonight and tomorrow.
Localised heavy rain may lead to flash flooding in lowlying areas. The heavy rain anticipated to affect the group this weekend has the potential to produce rainfall in excess of 100mm in 24 hours, thus flooding of major tributaries and rivers remain a possibility at this stage. Therefore, those communities living in the flood prone areas are advised to remain alert and take early precaution if needed. Within the heavy rain bands, expect squally thunderstorms, fresh to strong northerly winds with average speeds of 50km/hr also, possibly gusting to 65km/hr. Over the waters, expect southeast winds, becoming predominantly northerly, 25 to 30 knots and gusty at times with rough to very rough seas.
The situation will be closely monitored and subsequent updates will be released as rapid changes in the situation are expected. An improvement is anticipated possibly early next week from the west as TD04F moves to the east of Fiji. All communities are advised to remain vigilant as heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in place. Furthermore, remain updated with the latest weather information and take alerts and warnings seriously. During wet and windy conditions, pedestrians and drivers are reminded to take extra care when using the road while children are to be kept away from flooded drains and streams.