TC Kevin: Strong wind and heavy rain warnings in force for parts of Fiji

Strong wind and heavy rain warnings and a gale alert remains for parts of Fiji Group as category 3 Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located about 1,150 kilometres West of Nadi at about 3.30pm today however, it is not expected to track directly over Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Northern Ba and Ra, Tavua, Greater Nadi-Lautoka-Ba area, Sigatoka, interior of Ba and Nadroga/Navosa, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups.

The Weather Office says a heavy rain alert is now in force for the rest of Fiji.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Northwestern Viti Levu that includes Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka and Nadi, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Bua and Eastern Macuata including Labasa to Udu Point.

A gale alert is also in force for open waters Southwest of Viti levu, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau.

Expect northwesterly winds with average speeds of 45 kilometres per hour to 55 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 80 kilometres per hour for land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Northwestern Viti Levu including Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka and Nadi, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Bua and Eastern Macuata including Labasa to Udu Point.

The Weather Office says winds of this strength can break tree branches, damage crops and weak, unshielded structures like temporary sheds and tents in exposed communities. TC Kevin is gradually moving Southeast and expected to track to the South of the group while remaining over open waters.

The associated active trough of low pressure with cloud and rain is expected to affect the group from tomorrow.

Possible impacts include some localised communities and businesses likely to be affected by flash flooding of low lying areas and localised flooding of Irish Crossings and informal settlements with disruption to traffic flow.