IF you’re heading to the beach today, you may want to remain cautious of big waves.
The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) has yesterday forecasted heavy swells for parts of the country.
The swells are affected by a strong southeast wind flow over Fiji waters being caused by a high pressure system located to the southwest of the Fiji Group.
FMS director Ravind Kumar said the sustained winds had caused moderate southerly swells to build up over open waters.
Wave conditions have also been labelled as risky for those mariners using small vessels like rowboats, sailboats, canoes, rafts and motorboats.
“Mariners are advised to avoid navigating in these conditions,” Mr Kumar said.
“Similarly, for those using Queens Road along Coral Coast should remain alert for occasional over wash of roads during high tides this evening, tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening.”
According to Mr Kumar, strong winds coinciding with moderate swells of 2 to 3metres over Fiji waters and high tide was expected to be more than 2m near the coast.
These pose a risk of inundation over low lying coastal areas especially during high tides.
“There is moderate chance that the waves riding on to the high tide reaching the coastline can over wash vegetation line and even on to the roads along the Coral Coast (especially Vatukarasa), Beqa, Vatulele, Kadavu and Southern Lau.
“The moderate swells will gradually ease from Thursday.”
Residents living in low coastal areas have been cautioned to stay alert.
*Those interested in further information have been urged to contact 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website www.met.gov.fj.
