Tropical Disturbance (TD07F) was located near 16.4 degrees south latitude and 178.4 degrees east longitude or about 70km north-northwest of Labasa or 100 kilometres west-northwest of Yasawa-i-Ra at 6pm yesterday.

TD07F has picked up the speed and moved faster than anticipated. It is currently moving east-northeast at 30km/hr and expected to pass very close to Vanua Levu last night.

“On the current track, TD07F is anticipated to lie east of Udu Point tomorrow (today) and likely to further intensify into a Tropical Depression as it moves towards Samoa,” said a weather report from the Fiji Meteorological Office.

“However, the associated trough, cloud, rain, fresh to strong and gusty winds are expected to affect the parts of the Group until tomorrow and the following Warnings and Alerts remain in force but will be gradually lift from today:

1. A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau Groups.

2. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and the northern Lau Group.

3. A “Heavy Rain Alert” remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

4. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for the Land Areas and Waters of Rotuma.

5. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for northern Vanua Levu and the Lau Waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-i-ra and Kadavu passages.

6. A “Flood Alert” remains in force for low-lying areas and small streams for Vanua Levu, western parts of Viti Levu and now in force for Vatukacevaceva downstream to Rakiraki Town and downstream of Nasivi to Tavua Town.

Meanwhile, the monitoring team at the Northern Headquarters in Labasa continues to keep track of the recent tropical depression.

The team headed by Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea yesterday was in constant contact with district officers, provincial administrators, heads of Government departments from last week Friday.

For Vanua Levu, Taveuni and near smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti Group, Yasawa and Mamamuca Group, periods of rain, heavy at times and few squally thunderstorms. Localised heavy rain falls may lead to flooding of low lying areas.

The team advised the public to continue to listen to the  weather bulletin.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj