Tropical disturbance will affect Fiji

Atrough of low pressure that was affecting Rotuma for the past few days is slowly drifting southwards towards Fiji Group. Within this trough, a low pressure system has developed and has intensified into a Tropical Disturbance and numbered 14F.

Tropical Disturbance (TD14F) was analysed to the north of Fiji near Rotuma at 12pm yesterday. It is slow moving and expected to drift south towards the Group and has the potential to further intensify into a Tropical Depression as it moves closer to the Group by tomorrow.

The chance of TD14F developing into a tropical depression is moderate and the chance of it developing into a tropical cyclone is low.

The associated trough of low pressure with cloud and rain will start affecting the northern parts of the Group from today spreading to rest of the country by tomorrow. Rain and squally thunderstorms are developing over the northern parts of the Group from today, becoming frequent and heavy at times from tonight.

In anticipation of this, a “Heavy Rain Alert” is now in force for Yasawa, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands. The system is anticipated to bring heavy rain and the chances of rainfall exceeding 100mm in 24 hours is high especially in areas of localised and frequent heavy rain. There is also risk of flash flooding of low-lying areas with the forecasted rainy conditions for the rest of the week leading into the weekend. The situation in the low lying and flood prone areas can be exacerbated with a high tide of about 2 metres predicted this week, which further elevates the risk of flooding of low-lying areas.

A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for all land areas and waters of Fiji and Rotuma.

Mariners can expect, southeast winds 20 to 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots with rough to very rough seas and moderate southerly swells.

The current situation will be closely monitored and any alert and warning will be issued as and when appropriate. All communities are advised to remain alert and updated with the latest weather information. There are further advised to take alerts and warnings seriously.

For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met. gov.fj. You can visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page for latest updates.