Weather system is expected to track closer to Vanuatu for now but cyclone situations can change rapidly – Fiji Met

Expect periods of heavy rain which could lead to severe flooding and damaging gale force winds from Friday onwards if a tropical disturbance intensifies and moves closer to the Fiji Group.

The Nadi Weather Office says whilst the system is expected to track closer to Vanuatu and New Caledonia for now and poses no immediate threat to the Fiji Group, as we all know, cyclone situations can change rapidly.

Therefore, if the system does track closer to Fiji the weather is anticipated to worsen.

Based on that, a Flood Warning is now in force for low lying areas and small streams adjacent to Waidina River and Naqali Bridge, a Flash Flood Alert is now in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams along the Kings Road from Naboutini to Suva, Suva to Nausori, Nausori to Korovou and upper Wainimala and Waidina River and a Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Fiji Waters.

The Weather Office says a tropical low is located near Samoa and is expected to intensify into a tropical disturbance by this evening. This system is expected to drift westwards and pass just to the north of Fiji on Thursday.

As this system moves westwards, the southeasterly winds is expected to be enhanced bringing more rain and strong winds over the eastern and northern parts of the group. These winds are not damaging but could be dangerous for those navigating Fijian Waters.

Another tropical low is located just northeast of Rotuma. The low is also likely to intensify into a tropical disturbance by tomorrow. This system is slow moving and will bring about heavy rain and strong winds over land areas and waters of Rotuma from later Thursday.

The Weather Office says on Friday, we expect the two disturbances to come close together where one of them will dominate and the other to weaken off. The dominant system is anticipated to gradually intensify further and move southwestwards towards Vanuatu and away from Fiji in the weekend.

Members of the public are discouraged from playing in and crossing flooded roads, creeks and rivers. Drivers are also advised to drive with caution under heavy rain conditions.

Mariners need to be cautious while venturing out to sea.

There will be poor visibility in areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Sea conditions may not be safe for operators of small vessels.

Stay with us for developments.