ReliefWeb

11am Saturday 17th December 2016

Tropical Depression (TD04F) with central pressure of 1000 HPA was located near 15.8 degrees South latitude and 174.6 degrees East longitude or about 370km Northwest of Nadi or about 290km West of Viwa Island at 10am this morning. It has once again become slow moving and anticipated to take a south-westerly track in the next 24-36 hours.
Under the current and expected conditions, TD04F has low potential (5-20%) to develop into a category1 cyclone. On the projected path, the centre of the system is expected to remain over open waters and far west of Fiji with chance of it coming over Fiji is very low. However, the associated trough and rainbands are expected continue affecting till tomorrow.
The concern that remains for us is the heavy rain, associated flooding and strong and gusty winds. Consequently, the following alerts and warnings are in place:

• A strong wind warning remains in force for all land areas and waters of Fiji;

• A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji; and

• A flood Warning is now in force for low lying areas and small streams adjacent to and downstream of Rakiraki Town;

• A flood alert remains in force for the following areas: o Low lying areas and the downstream of Waimanu station; o Low lying areas and areas adjacent to Rewa bridge station and areas downstream of Nausori town.

Flood Alert that was previously in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Nabukaluka station and areas downstream of Nabukaluka station is now cancelled however other parts of the country should remain on alert or cautious.  Expect periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms to continue over most parts of the country today and gradually easing to occasional rain/showers from tomorrow. The chances of flooding of major rivers remain high today and become low from tomorrow.

East to Northeast winds of 40-50 km/hr and gusts of up to 75 km/hr over land areas is forecasted for today and expect Northerly winds of 40-50 km/hr tomorrow.

Mariners should anticipate East to Northeast winds with average speeds of 25 to 30 knots and gusts of up to 40 knots. Expect rough to very rough seas with moderate to heavy easterly swells. Visibility will be poor in areas of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms.

We will continue to monitor the rivers and the weather systems and provide regular updates.
All communities are advised to take necessary precautions and remain prepared at all times as flood alerts and warnings are in place for all low lying areas and streams adjacent to major rivers. Also prepare for strong and gusty winds. Please take alerts, warnings and advisories seriously and remain updated with the latest weather bulletins.

For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj.