Tropical Depression, TD03F centre was located near 12 degrees’ south latitude and 175 degrees’ east longitude or about 200km west of Rotuma and about 650km north-northwest of Nadi at 3pm today.

TD03F may intensify further into a category 1 tropical cyclone in the next 12 to 18 hours with average winds of 65km/hr and momentary gusts to 90km/hr close to the centre.

TD03F is moving southeast at about 25km/hr. On the projected path, TD03F centre is expected to be located about 200km North-northeast of Yasawa-i-Rara or about 210km northwest of Labasa at 3am tomorrow and about 100km eastsoutheast of Taveuni or about 190 km East-southeast of Labasa at 3pm tomorrow.

On its anticipated development and track, the system may bring damaging gale force winds over Rotuma from late afternoon today and over Yasawa Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and northern Viti Levu from early tomorrow morning and over Lau and Lomaiviti group from mid-morning.

The gale force and strong winds have potential to bring down weak structures, damage shallow rooted trees and crops such as bananas, cassava, vegetables and cause loose objects to be blown away.

With the ground already saturated and more rain forecasted, the chance of flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is very high. Furthermore, there is increased risk of flooding of major rivers.

The accumulation of rainfall coinciding with the high tides can cause widespread catchment level flooding. Therefore, all communities living in the flood prone and landslide areas are requested to remain alert and take precautions when necessary.

Members of the public are advised to keep away from the flooded drains, streams and rivers whilst motorists are requested to take extreme care when driving in adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain affects Fiji.

The following alerts and warnings remain in force: A “Gale Warning” remains in force for Rotuma, Yasawa Group, northern Viti Levu from Ba, Rakiraki to Tailevu North, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller Islands.

A “Tropical Cyclone Alert” remains in force for Lau and Lomaiviti group. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for the rest of Fiji land areas. A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Lau and Lomaiviti Group.

A “Flood Alert” remain in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to major rivers of Vanua Levu and Rewa to Navua catchments. The system is closely monitored and any alert and warning will be issued as and wh