Tropical depression develops into cyclone

A tropical depression to the far West of Nadi has developed into a category one cyclone and has been named Tropical cyclone Atu.

The Nadi Weather office confirmed that Tropical cyclone Atu poses no direct threat to the Fiji group however a trough of low pressure lying to the West of the group, associated with the cyclone, is expected to bring more rain for the Western division today.

The duty forecaster confirmed that heavy rain is expected for most of the Western division, the Mamanuca group and the Yasawas with possibility of flash floods likely today.

He said heavy rain is also expected for Suva, Navua and Nausori today due to the trough of low pressure.

Winds are also expected to also increase today for the Western parts of Viti Levu.

Winds may increase to strong with speeds of 45km/hr gusting to 65km/hr from later today.  

The Weather office said rain over other parts of the country is expected to ease by later this morning. However, areas which may experience continuous heavy rain could be affected by possible flash floods.

Story by: Roneel Lal