A “Tropical Cyclone Warning” remains in force for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau and is now canceled for Vanua Balavu, Tuvuca and Nayau.

The “Storm Warning” previously in force for Vanua Balavu, Tuvuca, and Nayau is now canceled.

A “Gale Warning” remains in force for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for the eastern parts of Viti Levu, the eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and the rest of Lau Group.

A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force for the southern and eastern parts of the larger islands, Lomaiviti and the Lau Group.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Tino (category 3) was located near 18.6 south latitude, 176.6 west longitude or about 240km east of Lakeba or 320km northeast of Ono-i-Lau at 9am this morning.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 120km/hr with momentary gusts of 170km/hr. TC Tino is moving southeast at about 22km/hr.

On this forecast track the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 360km east of ono-i-lau or 420km east-southeast of Lakeba at 3pm today and about 490km east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau or 610km southeast of Lakeba at 9pm today and moving further away from Fiji towards Tonga.

For Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga, Ogea, Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa:
Expect damaging gale force winds with average speeds of 75km/hr and momentary gusts to 100km/hr, winds expected to ease and become moderate to fresh southwesterly winds from later today. Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms, rain easing to occasional showers from afternoon today. Sea flooding along coastal areas could be expected during high tides.

For eastern parts of Viti Levu, eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and the rest of the Lau Group:
Expect strong south to southwesterly winds with average speeds of 45km/hr and momentary gusts to 65km/hr, easing to moderate to fresh winds from later today. Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms, rain easing to showers from later today. Persistent localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas.

For the rest of the Fiji Group:
Moderate to fresh south to southwesterly winds. Cloudy periods with showers.

The following information is provided especially for the mariners:

For Northern Vanua Levu Waters: Expect south to southwesterly winds up to 30 knots gusting to 45 knots. Winds easing to 20 to 25knots from midday today. Rough seas and moderate westerly swells.

Lau Waters, Koro Sea: Expect south to southeast winds up to 40 knots gusting to 60 knots with high seas and damaging heavy southeasterly swells.

The rest of Fiji Waters:
Expect south-southwesterly winds 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 45 knots, winds easing to 15 to 20 knots from later today with rough to very rough seas and moderate southeast swells.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj