A Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for the whole of Fiji while a Flash Flood Warning is now in force for the low-lying and flood-prone areas across the Fiji Group as Tropical Depression 05F is approaching the country from the West.
A Strong Wind Warning is also in force for the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western and Northern Viti Levu including Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, Northern Bua, and Macuata province and nearby smaller islands.
Strong northwesterly winds with an average speed of 45km per hour and gusts up to 55km per hour could be expected in these areas from tomorrow.
The Nadi Weather Office says the system is expected to bring heavy rain over most parts of the country from later today while strong winds are also expected in parts of the country from tomorrow.
The centre of Tropical Depression TD05F was located 65km east of Port Vila in Vanuatu at 2pm today.
It is moving in an east-southeast direction towards the southwest of Fiji Group.
They say TD05F is located in a marginally favorable environment and may reach a Category 1 tropical cyclone by later today or tomorrow morning but the environmental conditions are not favorable when the system approaches the Fiji Group.
It is expected that it will be downgraded back to a tropical depression from a tropical cyclone when it enters Fiji waters.
The system is anticipated to pass close to the west or southwest of Fiji Group.
Occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms, are expected over most parts of Fiji Group from later today.
The Weather Office says moisture is abundant in the environment during this time of the year and with heating, afternoon and evening thunderstorms risks become elevated.
The Office will continue to monitor this weather event and update warnings and forecasts accordingly.
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