Tropical Cyclone Keni upgraded to a Category 3 cyclone and is expected to make landfall in Viti Levu

Tropical Cyclone Keni continues to intensify and it has been upgraded to a category 3 cyclone.

We have also received confirmation that based on the current track, Cyclone Keni will make landfall in Viti Levu.

This means that people should expect destructive winds in a number of areas, very heavy swells sea and river flooding.

The effects of a category 3 cyclone are extensive structural damage to houses, infrastructure, power poles and lines, large trees are expected to fall and low lying escape routes will be cut off.

Destructive winds can go up to 209 kilometres per hour while storm surges can go as high as 3.5 metres.

Tropical Cyclone Keni Threat track map as of 5:45am today (10th Apr 18) Photo: met.gov.fj

The centre of Cyclone Keni is currently located 200 kilometres West of Nadi.

It is travelling in an East South East direction at 20 kilometres per hour towards Fiji and is expected to continue on this track for now.

Close to its centre the Cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 130 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 185 kilometres per hour.

The centre is expected to make landfall near Sigatoka later today.

Expect destructive winds to start picking up soon.

Please take all necessary precautions now.

With Cyclone Keni expected to make landfall later today, weather forecasters say the whole of Viti Levu, Southern Mamanucas and Kadavu will get destructive winds.

The Weather Office says the rain bands associated with Tropical Cyclone Keni is affecting the group.

There is also a flood alert now for all low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to all major rivers in Fiji.

A flood warning is now in force for the low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva to Rakiraki Town.

A flood alert remains for all low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to Tuva River, Votualevu and Mulomulo to Nadi Town, Keyasi River to Sigatoka Town, Nabukelevu and Sabata to Navua Town, Dreketilailai to Qawa River, Ba River to Toge to Ba Town and Nasivi to Tavua Town.

Cyclone Keni is currently moving East South East towards the Fiji group at about 20 kilometres per hour.

The Weather Office says Cyclone Keni is gradually intensifying as it moves towards Fiji.

Image from space of TC Keni CAT 3 moving towards Fiji as of 6am today (10th Apr 18) Photo: NASA 

Please note that damaging winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

On the projected track of Cyclone Keni, the centre of the cyclone is expected to be located about 180 kilometres West of Nadi at midday today.

You can also call us on 3314766 if you need any assistance and we will refer you to the relevant authorities.

You can also send us photos and videos on our Facebook page Fijivillage.

Winds have picked up in the Mamanucas, Yasawas and parts of the Western Division including Nadi, Lautoka, Sigatoka and Ba.

We have received information residents in parts of the Mamanuca and Yasawa group have begun to experience heavy rain in the last hour.

Residents of Nailaga and Yalalevu in Ba have confirmed to Fijivillage that they winds have picked up in the last hour.

Residents on Tavewa Island in Yasawa have confirmed that winds have begun to pick up speed and they have been experiencing occasional rain from last night until this morning.

Another resident in Nanuya Balavu Island, Yasawa says that they are also experiencing winds pick up speed and light showers since the last hour.

SITUATION UPDATE

SIGATOKA

In Sigatoka, villagers in Cuvu, Nasigatoka, Tuva, Malomalo, Wai, Raviravi say it continues to rain and winds have started to pick up.

The Police National Command Centre has confirmed that the main Kings and Queens Roads are open to all traffic.

RAKIRAKI

Rakiraki town is closed to all traffic as it is affected by flood waters.

The Police National Command Centre has confirmed that heavy rain is being experienced in parts of Rakiraki.

It adds that other areas that are closed off to all traffic due to flood waters include, Korotale Bridge, Mead Road in Raiwasa, Qalau Road, Naqoro Flats and Qelema Settlement.

VATUKOULA

Police have also confirmed that Tavutavu Bridge in Nadalei and Lomalagi Bridge in Vatukoula are closed to all traffic as parts of Vatukoula are experiencing heavy rain.

It adds that water levels are rising in Nadala River in Vatukoula.

BA

In Ba, Maranitawa Bridge, Toge Bridge and Varadoli Cemetry Bridge are closed to all traffic due to flood waters 

LAUTOKA

Parts of Lautoka are also experiencing heavy rain with Buabua Road, B.S Charan and Lovu Hart closed to all traffic due to floodwaters.

Police have confirmed to Fijivillage that Vuda Back Road has been partly washed away and is currently closed to all traffic.

Nadi is experiencing occasional showers and Police have confirmed that Navutu village Bridge is closed to all traffic due to rising flood waters.

Korokoro Bridge, Emuri Bridge, Nadromai Bridge, Kabisi Bridge and Navutu Village Bridge in Sigatoka are closed to all traffic due to floodwaters

In Navosa, Draiba Road and Namatewale Bridge are closed to all traffic due to rising flood waters in these areas.

BUS SERVICES SUSPENDED

The Fiji Bus Operators Association has announced that bus services across Fiji will be suspended today, for the safety of the travelling public and bus drivers.

Fiji Bus Operators Association General Secretary, Rohit Lanchtan says this follows discussions with the Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.

Latchan says bus services will resume once the National Disaster Management Office in consultation with bus operators give the all‑clear.

CIVIL SERVANTS

All civil servants other than those delivering essential services are advised not to report to work today due to adverse weather conditions.

Civil servants are advised to keep listening to us for any updates.

Meanwhile, all Judicial Department registries and courts will be closed today.

All cases that were listed for today will be given new dates.

POWER

Some areas in the Western and Central Divisions are currently experiencing power disruptions.

These areas include Simla in Lautoka, Vutuni in Ba, Nasau Valley Road, and Cuvu in Sigatoka and Nalovo in Nadi.

There is no confirmation as yet on what has caused the disruptions in these areas.

Meanwhile, Fiji Electricity Authority has confirmed that feeders in the central division areas are currently not supplying power. The feeders and stations are flooded and the roads leading to the feeders are flooded so accessibility to these areas is a safety concern for FEA workers.

These feeders include the greater Nasinu area, Samabula, Laucala Beach, Vatuwaqa, CWM, Rewa Street and Bhindi sub-division.

FEA says that heavy rain and lightning activity in the interior and most parts of Western Viti Levu again over the last 24 ‑ 72 hours has slowed down the power restoration works.

ROADS

Stay with us for the latest weather updates.You can also call us on 3314766 if you need any assistance and we will refer you to the relevant authorities. You can also send us photos and videos on our facebook messenger, Fijivillage.