TC Rae expected to slowly weaken while tracking away from Southern Lau Group later today

Tropical Cyclone Rae is expected to slowly weaken while tracking South-southeast away from the Southern Lau Group later today.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Cyclone Rae is located about 10km North-northeast of Ono-i-Lau or about 185km South of Kabara.

TC Rae is moving South-southeast at about 20 kilometres per hour over the Southern Lau Group.

A storm warning remains in force for Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau while a gale warning remains for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Kabara, Fulaga, Ogea and Totoya.

Meanwhile, an active convergence zone with associated strong to gale force winds will affect the Northern and Eastern parts of the group.

For Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau:

Expect gale to storm force winds with wind speeds from 65km/hr to 110km/hr and gusts from 90km/hr to 155km/hr.

Winds gradually easing to strong to gale with wind speeds up to 75km/hr and gusts up to 100km/hr this morning.

For Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Kabara, Fulaga, Ogea and Totoya: Expect strong to gale force winds with wind speeds from 45km/hr to 85km/hr and gusts from 80km/hr to 120km/hr.

A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu [Cakaudrove province, Eastern Macuata and Southern Bua], Cikobia, Naqelelevu, Taveuni, Koro, Ovalau and Ono-i-Lau.

Expect strong to gale force winds with wind speeds from 45km/hr to 85km/hr and gusts from 80km/hr to 120km/hr.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Northeastern parts of Viti Levu from Tailevu North through Ra-Rakiraki up to Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

For the Eastern and Northern parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Suva to Tailevu North up to Rakiraki/Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands: expect fresh to strong southeasterly wind speeds up to 55km/hr and gusts up to 80km/hr.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji group.

A flash flood warning is in force for all small streams and low lying flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Possible impacts expected from the tropical cyclone:

- significant structural damage to houses of unshielded and very light structures in exposed communities.

- possible disruption in communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines.

- trees/plants and crops damaged and downed.

- high risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts.

Possible impacts due to heavy rain:

- localised flooding of susceptible communities, business and low lying areas.

- localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow.

- severe flooding of major rivers which could flood towns and properties.

- poor visibility for drivers and mariners.