Heavy rain and gale force winds could be experienced parts of Fiji later this week due to TC Harold

The Nadi Weather Office says even though the centre of Tropical Cyclone Harold is expected to pass to the southwest of Fiji later this week, active rainbands will bring heavy rain and gale-force winds could be experienced along the Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Western half of Viti Levu and Kadavu.

This is expected to begin from tomorrow.

Gale force winds may cause loose objects to fly, break twigs and tree branches and slight damages to weak-structured houses.

The Weather Office also says the concern also extends to coastal inundation including sea flooding of coastal areas.

Weather forecasters also say other parts of Fiji can be affected as TC Harold moves closer.

It is therefore advisable that we prepare accordingly.

Take the necessary steps to ensure that homes and properties are well secured. Ensure that your compounds are cleared of all debris that could harm individuals and damage properties in the event of strong winds.

For those who live along low-lying flood prone areas, please be aware of your escape routes in the event of rising flood waters.

Cyclone Harold made landfall on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu earlier today.

Observations and reports received from Vanuatu indicate damages to infrastructure, heavy rain and flooding of low lying areas.

At midday today, Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was analysed at about 280km Northwest of Port Vila or about 1,150km West of Nadi. It is a Category 5 system with sustained winds of approximately 215km per hour close to its centre and momentary gusts extending to 295km per hour. It is moving east-south-eastward at about 13kmper hour.

TC Harold is expected to move to the east of Vanuatu tomorrow morning, thereafter it is expected to continue moving in a southeast direction. At midday tomorrow, TC Harold is expected to be located approximately 725km West of Yasawa-I-Rara or about 715km West of Nadi.

At midday on Wednesday, it is expected to be located approximately 310km south-southwest of Yasawa-I-Rara or about 200km south-southwest of Nadi. As it continues to move in that direction, it is expected to pass just towards the southwest of Fiji.