Tropical Cyclone alert issued for Fiji

The Nadi Weather Office has issued a special Tropical Cyclone Alert for the whole of the Fiji group.

Members of the public are advised that a tropical depression was located 1,150 kilometres West North West of Nadi earlier today.

For those who have access to a map, the tropical depression is currently located 15 decimal 2 South 167 decimal 0 East.

The depression is currently slow moving but expected to gradually accelerate towards East South East at about 15 kilometres per hour.

It is expected to further intensify over the next 36 to 48 hours.

The Weather Office has advised that this tropical depression may develop into a cyclone by late Sunday.

Mariners are also advised that a strong wind warning is now in force for all Fiji waters.

The Weather Office and DISMAC have advised people to take appropriate precautionary measures due to the tropical depression approaching Fiji and the possibility of it forming into a tropical cyclone late Sunday.

People are advised that winds may increase further to damaging gale force winds with squally thunderstorms from late Sunday, travelling at sea may be endangered and heavy rain can bring about flooding and sea flooding in low-lying areas.

On the current track, and if the depression continues to intensify, it may bring damaging gale force winds over the Western parts of Fiji by late Sunday but the Tropical Cyclone Alert is for the whole of Fiji.

The general public is forewarned to closely monitor the current weather situation and keep checking Fijivillage for further developments.


Story by: Vijay Narayan