Heavy rain alert in place for Northern division, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands

A heavy rain alert is now in force for the Northern division, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Serua, Namosi, Suva, Nausori, Naitasiri and Tailevu.

The Nadi Weather office says an active trough of low pressure lies slow moving over the Northern division and Eastern parts of the Fiji group with associated cloud and rain affecting the Northern and Eastern parts of the country.

They say there will be occasional rain heavy at times and few thunderstorms for the Northern division, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Serua, Namosi, Suva, Nausori, Naitasiri and Tailevu.

Cloudy periods with some showers and isolated thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls expected for the rest of the Fiji group.

Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas and flood prone areas.

A Flash Flood alert remains in place for flood prone areas, small streams and low lying crossings of the central eastern division from Navua to Qauia, Rewa and Korovou river, Labasa and Qawa river.

Areas likely to be or already affected are low lying roads and crossings within the Labasa and Qawa river especially Dreketilailai, Urata and Boubale crossings.

The Nadi Weather Office says localised flooding of susceptible communities, business and low lying areas with localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossing and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow as well as poor visibility on land and at sea with increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads.