A heavy rain alert has been issued for several parts of the country, with the Fiji Meteorological Service warning of potential flooding and hazardous conditions over the next few days.
The alert, issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi at 5:30pm today, covers the interior, southern and eastern parts of Viti Levu, including Rakiraki, Korovou, Naitasiri, Nausori, Suva, Navua and the Pacific Harbour to Sigatoka corridor.
It also extends to Cakaudrove and southern Bua provinces, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lomaiviti Group, Kadavu and surrounding areas.
According to the weather office, a slow-moving trough of low pressure is currently affecting the country and is expected to persist in the coming days.
“A trough of low pressure with cloud, showers and rain lies slow moving over Fiji and is expected to affect the group for the next few days,” the bulletin stated.
Forecast conditions include occasional rain, isolated thunderstorms and periods of heavy downpours, with moderate confidence in the outlook.
Authorities have warned of several possible impacts, including flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly in informal settlements, businesses and Irish crossings.
Motorists are also being advised to exercise caution due to wet roads and reduced visibility, which could increase the risk of accidents.
“Surface flooding on streets in urban areas with poor drainage” is also expected, potentially leading to traffic disruptions.
The public is being urged to remain alert, take necessary precautions and monitor official updates as conditions develop.
