Cyclone warning

A TROPICAL cyclone warning is now in force for Fiji.

The warning was issued after Tropical Depression TD03F was located about 270km north-west of Rotuma or about 780km northnorth-west of Labasa at midday yesterday.

According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, the system was expected to move south at a speed of about 20km/ph and the centre was expected to pass about 240km north-west of Viwa or 430km west-northwest of Labasa by midday today.

In a statement, Fiji Meteorological Service said the system was slowly intensifying.

“It is expected to gradually intensify and will become a tropical cyclone (today).

“It is also expected to continue moving southwards and is anticipated to pass just west of Yasawa and Mamanuca groups from later today.

“Even though the centre of the system is expected to move closer to Fiji from (today), the rain has already been experienced over Vanua Levu and the eastern parts of Viti Levu.

“Currently, a heavy rain warning is in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Northern Lau Group and the Yasawa Group.”

Nacula, Yasawa villager Lavenia Naivalu said heavy rain was experienced when contacted at midday yesterday.

She said despite the rainy conditions, it was business as usual.

“We have our Nacula Day tomorrow (today) and we have no plans of cancelling it,” she said.

“But we are monitoring the situation and will take the necessary precautions.”

People on Rotuma should expect strong winds with gusts of up to 65km/ph, very rough to high seas and damaging northerly swells.

Sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas should be expected. For the rest of Fiji, expect damaging gale force winds later today, rough seas and localised heavy rain which could lead to flooding of low-lying areas.

Coastal areas should expect flooding at high tide if the cyclone centre passes close by.