MORE RAIN THREAT
Another possible tropical cyclone, which could be named Kala, shows signs of forming near Vanuatu Fiji Meteorological Services says possible impact early next week, but track still uncertain
More bad weather could be on the way, with another cyclone possibly developing near Vanuatu.
The Fiji Meteorological Services has stated that with the low pressure systems already anticipated to develop to the far West of the country this weekend, this was likely to intensify into a disturbance.
The weather app Windy projects the low pressure to form near Vanuatu and by Tuesday the full brunt of associated rains is expected to
fall on Viti Levu.
Fiji Meteorological Services further stated this would possibly develop into a tropical depression moving closer to the country and there was a high chance that it would develop into a tropical cyclone while remaining to the West of the country, by Sunday
It further stated that depending on how far from the group it tracks, it was likely to bring strong gale force winds especially over the northern parts of the Fiji Group, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, and Western Viti Levu, which could even increase to damaging gale force winds early next week.
The actual track, intensity and timing of the system remains uncertain and would become clearer as the system draws closer to the country.
According to the Hurricane, Typhoons, Cyclone Alert website it continued to monitor a broad secondary low pressure area in the approximate region of the Solomon Sea and north Vanuatu islands.
It stated that its latest analysis showed signs that by the weekend, this could become the next tropical cyclone in the South Pacific and by next week this could likely be Cyclone Kala.
The site also stated that it does not project a direct landfall in Fiji or Tonga; however, Vanuatu should monitor for a possible landfall on April 7 or 8 as the steering currents could take this potential cyclone very close to the east shoreline of the northern Vanuatu islands.
The Fiji Met also said more rain and squally thunderstorms with rough seas, high seas were expected this weekend.
Heavy swells are also expected with high risk of severe river flooding, especially to affect the Western Division again as more than 100mm of rainfall in 24 hours could be anticipated. Yasawa, Lau and Northern Vanua Levu Waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-i-Ra and Kadavu Passages, mariners can expect westerly to northwesterly winds with rough seas. National Disaster Management Office director Anare Lewaniqila said the Fiji Meteorological Office was monitoring the weather conditions developing for the upcoming days.
“NDMO will keep on the activation of emergency operation and we also need to go back to our advisories to ensure that we are well prepared.
“We have been giving out advisories and warning people of the threat that the heavy rains and floods bring and expect the people to make the right decisions to ensure that lives are not lost,” he said.
Mr Lewaniqila is pleading with the public to be patient with the weather, take heed of the warnings and not make decisions that could lead to the loss of innocent lives. All communities living in flood prone and low-lying areas are reminded to take all necessary precautions and remain alert, and to keep listening to the radio or television for the latest weather information.