PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE CYCLONE

IN THE NEXT 18 TO 24 HOURS, SAYS WEATHER OFFICE

Tropical disturbance TD03F will most likely develop into a Category 1 tropical cyclone in the next 18-24 hours. This was the weather warning by the Fiji Meteorological Services at 3.30pm yesterday.

The areas of alert include most parts of Fiji such as; Rotuma, Yasawa Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Northern Viti Levu and the Northern Lau and Lomaiviti groups. In the next 24 to 36 hours, these areas will experience damaging gale force winds. An active trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain was slowly moving over the Fiji Group. For these areas, momentary gusts of wind up to 80-90 kilometres per hour will be experienced from midday today. The rest of Fiji can expect occasional showers, heavy at times and a few thunderstorms. Showers would be increasing to rain from today. A flood alert was issued yesterday for low-lying areas adjacent to and downstream of Naqali Station. There was a flood warning which remained in place for low-lying areas of Navua and the Rewa catchment at Naqali Station. The catchment level at the station was 3.09 metres at 3pm, which is 1.59m above the alert mark and was decreasing.

Vanua Levu was issued with a flood alert which remained in force for low-lying areas and places adjacent to major rivers of Vanua Levu. The Fiji Meteorological Services acting director Viliame Vereivalu said all communities living in flood prone and low lying areas should be reminded to take all necessary precautions and remain alert.

“This goes similarly for those living in landslide prone areas,” he said. “Members of the public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information and take alerts and warnings seriously.”

Mariners can expect southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots and rough seas which would later increase to 25 to 30 knots and rough seas from today. Winds may increase to 35 to 40 knots and high seas over Yasawa Waters, Northern Vanua Levu Waters, Vatu-i-Ra Passage and Northern Koro Sea will develop from this evening. Please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj. Visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page for the latest updates.