Expect strong winds & heavy rain with possibility of a cyclone forming over waters between Fiji and Vanuatu

Please take all the necessary precautions as the Nadi Weather Office says there is a potential for severe weather to affect us in the coming days as a tropical cyclone is likely to form over waters between Fiji and Vanuatu.

Tropical Disturbance TD04F was upgraded to a tropical depression today and lies to the North West of New Caledonia.

The low pressure system located to the East of Vanuatu has also been upgraded to a Tropical Depression TD05F.

There is a high potential for one of these two systems to develop into a cyclone over waters between Fiji and Vanuatu from later this week.

Another low pressure system is located over the Lau Group. The associated trough remains slow moving over the Northern parts of Fiji. It is expected to gradually drift South and affect the rest of Fiji from tomorrow.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and the Lau Group from tonight and gradually spread to the rest of the group from later tomorrow.

This poses the risk of flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.

There is also a risk of flooding of small rivers, creeks and roads.

Drivers are advised of poor visibility on roads in areas of heavy rain.

Expect winds to pick up to 55 kilometres per hour. Winds of this strength may sway big trees and cause loose objects to fly.

For those going out to sea, expect rough seas and poor visibility.

A heavy rain warning is in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, nearby smaller islands and the Lau Group.

A flash flood alert remains in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to rivers and streams for Northern Vanua Levu; from Labasa to Udu Point, Vaturova, Natewa to Tunuloa and low lying areas adjacent to Nabouwalu.

A strong wind warning remains in force for land areas of Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, nearby smaller islands, Lau Group and Rotuma.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the Kadavu Passage, Lau and Northern Vanua Levu waters and Rotuma waters.

Stay with us for the latest on weather developments.