The tropical depression 10F that lies far South of Fiji is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport said yesterday.

For the West, rain is expect to ease later today, the ministry said in a statement.

However, associated trough of low pressure with cloud and rain will continue to affect the group and the following alerts and warnings are now in place:

•  A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force for the whole of Fiji;
•  A “Strong Wind Warning” remain in force for the land areas of Fiji;
•  A “Strong Wind Warning” remain in force for all Fiji waters;
•  A “Flood warning” remains in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Rakiraki Town and downstream; and
•  A “Flood Alert” remains in force for low lying areas and small streams adjacent to major rivers for whole of Fiji.

Furthermore the ministry said most parts of the country could expect rain to continue with breaks in between and heavy at times with few squally thunderstorms later today.

Strong North-west winds with average speeds of 45km/hr to 60km/hr and gusts up to 75km/hr over the land areas is expected to gradually ease from Monday.

Mariners can expect North-west winds 20 to 30 knots gusting to 40 knots with very rough seas and moderate northerly swells. Visibility will be poor in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

All communities are advised to remain alert as localised heavy rain can cause flash flooding in low lying areas given the ground is extremely saturated and river level remains elevated.

The public are requested to take alerts, warnings and advisories seriously whenever it is issued and remain prepared at all times.

Meanwhile Tropical Depression, TD11F lies between Vanuatu and New Caledonia and has considerably weakened. It poses no threat to Fiji.

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

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