A heavy rain warning remains in force for Fiji

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Fiji.

A strong wind warning is in force for the land areas of the Western half of Viti Levu, Yasawa, Mamanuca group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Rotuma.

Tropical Cyclone Pam is now upgraded to a category 5 system and the centre is located 15.3 South 169.3 East or about 910km West North West of Nadi.

It is moving South South West at 14km per hour and is expected to lie about 880km west of Nadi at about 9pm tonight.

Although the cyclone is moving in a South South West direction, the Nadi Weather Office stresses that the indirect effects of Cyclone Pam will be felt in Fiji as it is a very broad system.

It said continuous heavy rain can lead to flash flooding. 

Expect strong northerly winds with average speeds of 45 to 60km per hour and momentary gusts to 80km per hour over the Western half of Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands. Rough to very rough seas.

Minister for National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said they are now monitoring rainfall based on the forecast given by the Nadi Weather Office.