A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR ROTUMA.
A TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT REMAINS IN FORCE FOR FIJI.
A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR ROTUMA.
A HEAVY RAIN WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR VANUA LEVU, TAVEUNI AND
NEARBY SMALLER ISLANDS, NORTHERN LAU GROUP AND THE YASAWA GROUP.

Tropical Disturbance 03F located approximately 440 km northwest of Rotuma is slowly intensifying and is expected to become a tropical cyclone later today.

Further intensification is expected later today and tonight. Computer forecast guidance continues to indicate that this tropical cyclone will directly affect Fiji during the coming weekend. Be alert to the heightened risk of hazardous weather beyond Christmas and over the coming weekend.

For Fiji – Cloud increasing today with freshening easterly winds becoming gusty at times tonight and reaching damaging gale force about the north from tomorrow morning.

Rain developing during the day increasing overnight becoming heavy at times over the northern division. Local flash flooding is likely about the north starting tomorrow morning.

Rain slowly spreading south during the day tomorrow.

Outlook for the next three days – Refer to Special Weather Bulletins for Fiji issued by Fiji Meteorological Service.

It is expected that the closest pass to Fiji will occur early hours of Saturday morning. Landfall over the Yasawas and Mamanucas, and possibly western Viti Levu is a risk.

People in the western division should make preparations now for a near approach or direct strike of a strong category two or Category three tropical cyclone early on Saturday.

Please listen for warnings and advisories from the relevant authorities over coming days. This includes DISMAC, Fiji Meteorological Services, and the Police.

The next update for FHTA will be at midday today