Heavy rainfall, strong winds predicted as tropical depressions merge
The Fiji group will experience some heavy rainfall and strong winds from tonight after Tropical Depression TD04F and Tropical Disturbance TD05F were predicted to merge. This was highlighted by the Fiji Meteorological Services acting director Viliame Vereivalu, who said although Tropical Disturbance TD05F was weak it would merge with Tropical Disturbance TD04F. He did not confirm whether it would form a Tropical Cyclone or not. “Tropical Disturbance, TD04F is predicted to be located very close to Rotuma tonight to midnight and is expected to move into Fiji Waters by Friday night,” he said.
“It is expected to move over Vanua Levu between Saturday to Sunday night.
“As the system tracks over Rotuma, it is expected to remain slow moving and intensifying.” Mr Vereivalu said the wet weather, which was being experienced across the group was due to an active trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain.
It was predicted to intensify as it slowly moved closer towards Fiji. According to a weather bulletin released by the Met office at 3pm yesterday, TD05F was located near Rotuma and TD04F was located further northwest of Rotuma. Mr Vereivalu said there was no flood warning activated but reminded the people living in flood and landslide prone areas to remain alert and exercise the necessary precaution.
“There is also a risk of flash flooding in low lying areas and flood- prone areas,” he said. Meanwhile, TD03F was moving away from the group at about 32 km/hr and its probability to develop into a cyclone was low. Areas of concern are: Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the eastern half of Viti Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti Group.
Mariners
Mariners of northern Lau waters can expect southeast winds from 25-30 knots, gusting to 45 knots with very rough seas.
The rest of the Fiji waters can expect southeast winds from 20 to 25 knots with rough seas.
Edited by Percy Kean