A heavy rain alert remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau and Lomaiviti groups, and has now been extended to include the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, as well as western and northern parts of Viti Levu from Nadi, Lautoka and Ba through Tavua to Rakiraki.
The alert is also now in force for the rest of the Lau Group as a trough of low pressure continues to affect the country from the north.
Weather officials say the trough, accompanied by widespread cloud and rain, is expected to gradually move over the rest of Fiji until Sunday.
For Vanua Levu, Taveuni, nearby smaller islands, Lau, Lomaiviti, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, and western and northern Viti Levu, occasional rain and a few thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are forecast.
Some showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls are also expected over Sigatoka–Korolevu, Serua–Namosi, Navua–Suva–Nasinu, and parts of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, with conditions expected to become more frequent from later tonight.
Authorities have warned of possible impacts, including flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone informal settlements, communities and businesses, as well as flooding at Irish crossings leading to traffic disruptions.
Surface flooding is also possible in urban areas with poor drainage, while isolated power outages and disruptions to essential services may occur in severely affected areas.
Members of the public are being advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions, particularly in flood-prone locations.
