Heavy rain, strong winds, flash flood and coastal inundation will affect parts of Fiji

Tropical depression TD05F had intensified into a category one tropical cyclone and named Irene at 6pm Wednesday while located to the west of Vanuatu.

By 6am yesterday, Tropical Cyclone (TC)

Irene had upgraded into a category two system while located to the south of Port Vila, Vanuatu.

TC Irene has maximum winds of 50 knots around the center and it continues to be fast moving in an east-southeast direction at around 25 knots.

TC Irene is weakening and is expected to be located around 600 kilometres to the far southwest of Kadavu and remaining over open waters as it moves southeastwards away from Fiji.

Even though, TC Irene does not pose any direct threat to Fiji.

An approaching active trough of low pressure and rainbands that is associated with the cyclone together with the prevailing northwesterly wind flow is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds over parts of the country.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong and gusty winds and rough to very rough seas is expected for Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, western and northern Viti Levu, Bua Province, Macuata Province, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

It is expected to rain from time to time with thunderstorms over the rest of the Fiji Group.

Strong winds anticipated over the rest of the group from last night.

Localised heavy falls may also lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Heavy rain and strong winds is expected to ease from Saturday as TC Irene moves out of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC)-Nadi Area of Responsibility (AoR).

The general public are also advised to be on alert as the highest tide of the year or the “King Tide” is anticipated this Sunday, January 22.

Those living along the above mentioned coastal areas are advised to remain cautious and vigilant of coastal sea flooding especially during high tides.

Hazardous breaking waves, strong currents are risky for swimming, fishing and other recreational sea activities.

Sea conditions can also be dangerous for small boats as it can capsize due to large waves and rough seas.

Current warnings;

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western and Northern Viti Levu [Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, Interior Ba and Interior Ra], Bua and Macuata Province, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A flash flood alert remain inforce for low lying areas, small streams and flood prone area within Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, Interior Ba and Interior Ra], Bua and Macuata Province.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vatulele, Kadavu, Western and Northern Viti Levu, Bua and Eastern Macuata Province. A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Waters, Southwest Viti Levu Waters and Kadavu Passage.

A Coastal Inundation Alert remains in force for coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western Viti Levu to Coral Coast (from Teidamu through Lauwaki, Momi to Coral Coast), Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Central Lau and Southern Lau Group.

The Fiji Meteorological Service also reiterates that we are is still in the cyclone season which will end in April and is urging members of the public to remain vigilant all the time.

For more information and clarification:

Please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on (679) 6724888 or via email at all-fcstrs@met.gov.fj. For latest forecasts, you can visit the Fiji Meteorological Service website at www.met.gov.fj.