Tropical Cyclone Alert for Lau, Lomaiviti, nearby smaller islands

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is in force for Lau, Lomaiviti and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning is also in force for the Lau group, Lomaiviti group and nearby smaller islands.

A tropical depression was located near 20 decimal 4 South 179 decimal 1 West or about 240 kilometres South of Lakeba or about 5am today.
    
Nadi Weather Office Tropical Cyclone Forecaster Terry Atalifo said the system is still intensifying and may become a tropical cyclone in the next 24 to 30 hours.

On this track, the depression may cause gale force winds over Lau, Lomaiviti and smaller islands in the next 24 to 30 hours.

For Lau, Lomaiviti winds of 45km/hr to 55km/hr with gusts to 75km/hr are expected and turning North to Northwest and may increase to damaging gale force winds with speeds of 65km/hr with momentary gusts of 95km/hr from later today.

Atalifo said people living in low lying and flood prone areas on the larger islands should also take precautions as flash flooding is likely today.