TC Rae to enter Fiji waters tonight

Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Rae will enter Fiji waters from tonight.

The Nadi Weather Office says it will be intensifying tonight and into tomorrow.

The centre of Cyclone Rae is located 160 km East-Northeast of Cikobia or about 180 km Northeast of Udu Point.

It is moving in a South-southwest direction towards the Lau Group at 15 km/hr.

A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Cakaudrove province and Southern Bua, Cikobia, Naqele Levu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti Group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Northern division, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, interior and the eastern parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Navua, extending to Suva up to Tailevu North and is now in force for the rest of Fiji.

For land areas of the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu Cakaudrove Province and Southern Bua, Cikobia, Naqele Levu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti group: Expect strong southeasterly winds with wind speeds up to 50km/hr and gusts up to 65km/hr.

Winds will possibly increase up to 65km/hr and gusts up to 90km/hr from later tonight.

Expect occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms.

Rain will become frequent from tonight.

Expect rough to very rough seas and high seas from later tonight.

For the Eastern and Northern parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Suva to Tailevu North up to Rakiraki/Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands: Strong southeasterly with wind speeds up to 50km/hr and gusts up to 65km/hr.

Expect occasional showers, increasing to rain and becoming heavy and frequent from later tonight.

For the rest of the Fiji Group there will be cloudy periods with some showers,increasing to rain and becoming frequent and heavy with squally thunderstorms from tomorrow.

Possible impacts due to heavy rain: Localised flooding of susceptible communities, business and low lying areas.

Localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossing and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow.

Severe flooding of major rivers which could flood towns and properties. Poor visibility for drivers and mariners.