TC Harold will not directly affect Fiji but still expect heavy rain and strong winds - Funaki

Fiji Meteorological Service Director Misaele Funaki says Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Harold will not directly affect Fiji but we could still feel the associated weather from the system which is heavy rain and strong winds.

On its current track, Cyclone Harold is expected to track to the southwest of the Fiji group on Wednesday or Thursday next week.

Funaki says as the system moves closer, they will then give updates on which islands in the Fiji group will feel the associated weather from the system.

He says this is a very slow-moving system.

Funaki adds they are monitoring the system and will be issuing necessary updates if there are any changes in the projected track.

Please note that Cyclone Harold is currently affecting Vanuatu.

The system is moving south-southeast at about 20 kilometres per hour in the Vanuatu group.

Cyclone Harold has already slammed the Solomon Islands.

Radio NZ reports at least two ships had been washed ashore, fallen trees were blocking roads and power is out in many areas.