Tropical Cyclone Tino made landfall near Udu Point on Vanua Levu yesterday, a slight deviation from its original predicted path.

However, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service, the threat is from floods mostly to areas on the eastern part of Viti Levu.

Commercial weather forecaster, Na Draki stated the Eastern and Northern Divisions would experience the worst of the impacts.

“Suva will experience overcast skies with periods of heavy rain. Local flash flooding is expected around the southeast corner of Viti Levu,” Na Draki stated.

In Vanua Levu, winds strengthened overnight and reached gale force at times.

Some exposed coastal locations may experience higher than normal tides with TC Tino hovering past Vanua Levu and heading straight for the Lau Group.

According to Fiji Meteorological Service director Misaele Funaki, the Western Division had experienced a lot of rain causing the soil to saturate meaning water was running off the surface and feeding into streams and rivers.

He said this system had brought heavy rain which was distributed all over the group.

“The flood prediction for the next 24 hours (from midday yesterday) was mainly from areas between Navua and Sigatoka, areas in Namosi and Serua,” he said.

“There would be significant rain also felt in upper Rewa River catchment areas as well. We also expect areas in Vanua Levu to get flooded.

“Flash flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas, small streams and flood-prone areas for the whole of Fiji; and for the low lying areas and small streams in upper Wainimala River; and now in force for low lying areas, small streams and flood-prone areas from Vuya to Nawaca Village in Bua.”

According to the Fiji Meteorological Service forecasted track, TC Tino was located near the Lau Group at 6 am today and by 6 pm it was forecasted to be closer to Tonga and out of Fiji waters by Sunday morning.

Totoya, Moala, Lakeba, Cicia, Tuvuca, Nayau, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga, Ogea Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa could expect strong winds with average speeds of 45 kilometres per hour with momentary and gusts to 65 kilometres per hour.

This can increase to damaging gale force winds with average speeds of 65 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 95 kilometres per hour from increasing to destructive storm force winds with average speeds of 95 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 130 kilometres per hour.

Edited by Percy Kean

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