Weather Office stresses that the whole of Fiji should be on alert for a possible Tropical Cyclone

The Nadi Weather Office stresses the whole of the Fiji Group is advised to be on alert for a possible tropical cyclone.

As the Tropical Disturbance slowly moves towards Fiji, a Gale Alert is now in force for the Yasawa Group, Mamanuca Group and Western and Northern Viti Levu.

A Strong Wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji group.

The Nadi Weather Office says Tropical Disturbance TD02F lies slow moving to the east of Solomon Islands and is likely to intensify into a tropical cyclone by late tomorrow or early Tuesday.

On its current projected path, it is expected to approach the Fiji Group from later Tuesday and continue its journey through the country on Wednesday.

While the current projected path is over Viti Levu, there is significant uncertainty for now as the system has not yet fully developed.

It may become much clearer when the system becomes a tropical cyclone.

Gale to storm force winds are likely over the country from later Tuesday into Wednesday. These winds can break tree branches, blow unsecured and loose materials, disrupt communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines, damage temporary and weak structures, increase the risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts, and increase the risk for hazardous breaking waves and coastal inundation of debris along low lying coastal areas, especially during high tides.

There is also the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including flash flooding.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Northern Division, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups, while a Heavy Rain Alert is in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu.

This is due to a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain which remains slow moving just to the north of Fiji. It is expected to drift south and affect the northern and eastern parts of the group from later tonight.

Localised flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas; localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow; and poor visibility out at sea and as well as on land with increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads is expected.

For mariners, a Gale Alert is now in force for Yasawa and northern Vanua Levu waters.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for rest of Fiji Waters. Southeasterly winds with speeds up to 20 to 30 knots, with rough to very rough seas expected over Fiji Waters. Winds expected to increase to 35 knots, with 50 knots gust and become clockwise later Tuesday.

Seas are likely to become very rough with high seas later on Tuesday.

Over open waters, sea conditions are potentially hazardous for small crafts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.