Members of the public are reminded to remain alert and take all necessary precautions as the Tropical Depression affecting the Fiji Group was last night reported to have developed into Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston.

The weather bulletin issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi, at 7:44pm yesterday, reported that  TC Winston Category 1 was analysed about 735km southwest of  Rotuma or about 670km west-northwest of Nadi at 6pm.

TC Winston was moving south-southeast at 10km/hr. Associated cloud and rain would affect the group. The forecast to midnight tonight for the Fiji Group would see strong northerly winds with an average speed of 45km/hr and gusting to 65km/hr over Yasawa and Mamanuca Group with rough to very rough seas.

The weather office said there would be moderate northerly winds, fresh and gusty at times with moderate to rough seas.

Director of Meteorology Ravind Kumar is advising members of the public to be alert as more rain would accompany TC Winston.

“There is associated cloud and rain affects over the Fiji Group. There are periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms over most places.”

Mr Kumar said heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in parts of the country.

“A flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas along Rakiraki River including Rakiraki Town. A strong wind warning remains in force for land areas of Yasawa, the Mamanuca Group as well as waters at Vatu i-ra Passage, Yasawa and Mamanuca, northern Vanua Levu and Southwest Viti Levu,” Mr Kumar said.

“It is advisable that people are to remain prepared at all the times.”

Meanwhile, Nadarivatu (Ba) recorded the highest rainfall around the country since Wednesday.

Nadarivatu collected 207.5mm; Tavua was in second with 132 mm, and Penang Mill: 131mm. Rakiraki: 92.5 mm, Dobuilevu:72.5mm, Momi: 67mm, Monasavu: 54mm, and Keiyasi: 52mm.

Edited by Maikeli Seru

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