TC Winston approaching, but is weakening: Kumar

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston continues to move southward weakening and is now a Category Three system, says the National Weather Forecasting Centre Nadi.

Director of Meteorology Ravind Kumar said, “On its projected path, TC Winston is expected to enter Fijian waters overnight tomorrow (today) and may bring damaging gale force winds over the Southern Lau Group early Tuesday.”

It was analysed at 3pm yesterday that TC Winston was located near 25.2 degree South Latitude and 175.1 degree East Longitude.

“This is approximately 760km South-southwest of Kadavu or 810 km southwest of Ono-i-Lau and is expected to bring average winds of up to 155km/hr (about 85 knots) with momentary gusts of up to 220 km/hr (about 120 knots).”

Mr Kumar said TC Winston was predicted to maintain a south-easterly track and gradually turn north-eastward during last night.

“For the rest of Fiji it will be fine during the morning with isolated afternoon showers expected. However, rain and thunderstorms is anticipated to develop…as Severe TC Winston moves closer to the Fiji group with moderate northwest winds.”

He said the flood warning previously in force for all low-lying areas along Rakiraki River including Rakiraki Town was now cancelled.

“A strong wind warning remains in force for southwest Viti-Levu, southern Koro Sea and southern Lau waters.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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