TD05F continues to track towards Fiji as a Tropical Cyclone Warning remains in force for Fiji

Tropical Depression 05F continues to track towards Fiji and was located at about 430 kilometers North West of Nadi at 3 this morning.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning remains in force for Fiji.

Be ready for widespread heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds as TDO5F is expected to develop into a cyclone as it heads towards Fiji.

The Nadi Weather Office says based on the current projections the centre of the potential cyclone is expected to pass over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group later this afternoon.

They say the centre is also expected to pass over Viti Levu.

Please be advised that damaging winds are likely to begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

A heavy rain and strong wind warning remains in place for Fiji.

The Weather Office says the system is currently moving East North East at about 18 kilometres per hour.

People can expect winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour from today.

The gale force and strong winds has the potential to cause destruction to weak structures, disruption of electrical power distribution and communication services.

It can also cause severe damage to crops and vegetation.

With the ground already saturated and more rain forecast, there is increased risk of landslides, flash flooding of low lying areas and flooding of streams and rivers.

If you are living in flood and landslide prone areas, remain alert and take precautions now.

Stay away from flooded drains, streams and rivers while drivers are requested to take extreme care as there is a risk of poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

TD05F which may possibly be a cyclone as it moves closer towards the group, can bring high waves of possibly more than 6 metres which poses the risk of possible high waves and coastal inundation along coastlines especially over Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca. The high waves will be enhanced during high tides.

Sea conditions will be too dangerous for sailing and other sea activities.

A flash flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas and small streams near major rivers of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Areas included in the flash flood warning for Vanua Levu are Nabouwalu to Labasa, Nabouwalu to Kubulau, Dawara to Naibalebale Village along Wailevu West Coast Road, Naibalebale Village to Savusavu, Savusavu to Natewa and Tunuloa, Koroalau, Saqani to Labasa.

Areas included in the flash flood warning for Viti Levu are low lying areas from Sigatoka to Lautoka to Rakiraki – Semo in Nadroga, Nawaicoba, Nadi Back Road, Lomolomo and Barara flats, Navutu flats, Lovu, Saru Back Road, Vuda Back Road in Lautoka, Koronubu flat, Namosau, Veisaru, Varavu flats, Nailaga and other low lying areas in Ba, Nausori, Naqali, Lodoni and Korovou.