Rainbands Forecast to Hit Parts of the Country Today

Twas upgraded into a category 3 system around 6am yesterday while located about 205 kilometres south-southwest of Santo in Vanuatu. By midday yesterday, it was located about 170 kilometres west-southwest off Ambrym. The cyclone was moving east-southeast at about 20 kilometres per hour and was expected to follow almost the same track as TC Judy.

Close to the centre, severe TC Kevin

had winds up to 150 kilometres per hour gusting to 205 kilometres per hour.

Destructive to very destructive hurricane force winds and heavy rain affects Vanuatu as severe TC Kevin

tracks over the islands.

Based on the current analysis, severe TC Kevin is not expected to directly pass over the land areas of Fiji. However, it was anticipated to track over open waters to the southwest of the Fiji around Sunday.

The associated rainbands are likely to move over the group from as early as today.

Hence, heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to affect parts of the country from later today especially over Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Northern Ra, Tavua, Greater Nadi-Lautoka and Ba Area, Sigatoka, Interior Nadroga/Navosa, Kadavu and nearby smaller Islands and Lau and Lomaiviti groups.

There is also an elevated risk of flash flooding, especially in these areas. Strong and gusty winds are also expected over the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Northwestern Viti Levu [Rakiraki-Tavua-BaLautoka-Nadi], Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Bua and Eastern Macuata [Labasa to Udu Point].

Weather observations received show the above-mentioned areas already experiencing wind speeds of up to 40 to 60 kilometres per hour.

Winds of this strength are not destructive, however, it can break tree branches, damage crops and weak, unshielded structures like temporary sheds and tents in exposed communities.

Gale force winds up to 30 knots, gusting to 45 knots are expected over open waters of Southwest Viti Levu, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau Waters. Winds expected to increase to damaging gale force winds up to 40 knots and gusting to 55 knots from later over these waters today.

Sea conditions is expected to be very rough together with moderate to heavy northerly swells and poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Strong northerly winds up to 25 to 30 knots, gusting to 45 knots is expected over the rest of Fiji waters.