A TROUGH of low pressure bringing cloud and rain to the north of Fiji is expected to gradually drift south spreading to the rest of the group tomorrow.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, a “Heavy Rain Warning” remained in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Yasawa and Northern Lau Group.
A “Heavy Rain Alert” remains in force for the rest of Fiji.
For Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Northern Lau and Yasawa group, expect occasional rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.
Some showers about the interior and eastern parts of the other larger islands (i.e. Viti Levu and Kadavu) with isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
Fine weather is expected elsewhere apart from afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms.
Strong north to northeasterly winds with average speeds of 40km/hr with gusts to 60 km/hr is expected over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Northern Lau and Yasawa group. Moderate easterly winds, fresh at times is anticipated elsewhere.
In anticipation of this, the following warnings are currently in force:
A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for land areas of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Yasawa and Northern Lau Group; and
A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for northern Vanua Levu Waters, Yasawa Waters, Northern Koro Sea, Kadavu and Vatu-I-Ra Passages.
For Northern Vanua Levu Waters, Northern Lau Waters, Yasawa Waters, Northern Koro Sea, Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Kadavu and Vatu-i-ra Passages, mariners can expect northeast to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots with rough seas and moderate southerly swells.
For the rest of Fiji Waters, mariners can expect east to southeast winds 15 to 20 knots and moderate to rough seas.
Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low-lying areas. All communities living in flood prone, low-lying and landslide areas are requested to remain alert as heavy rain is predicted in the coming days. Members of the public are advised to keep away from flooded drains and streams whilst motorists are requested to take extreme care when driving in adverse weather conditions
The Fiji Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the situation closely. Any alert and warning will be issued as and when necessary. Members of the public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information and take alerts and warnings seriously.
For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj. You can also visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page for latest updates.
