Tropical depression TD01F has weakened off and merged with dominant tropical depression TD02F last night.

At 12pm today, tropical depression TD02F was located near 14.8 south latitude and 173.1 east longitude or about 490km west-northwest of Viwa island and 510km west- southwest of Rotuma. TD02F is moving south-southwest at 13 knots or 25 kilometres per hour.

TD02F is expected to intensify and develop into a tropical cyclone (category 1) later today and possibly upgrade into a category 2 system by later tomorrow as it lingers over open waters between Vanuatu and Fiji.

By Wednesday the system is anticipated to further intensify into a category 3 tropical cyclone as it starts to move south-eastwards towards Fiji while remaining over open waters.

Meanwhile, another tropical depression TD03F has developed in our region and is located near 15.8 south latitude and 171.5 west longitude or about 225km south of Samoa at 12pm today.

TD03F is slow moving. The potential for this system to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 to 48 hours is moderate. The system poses no threat to Fiji at this stage.

Forecast Fiji Group

Strong winds over Yasawa Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, northern parts of Viti Levu, Coral Coast to Pacific Harbor and Lau and Lomaiviti Group is expected to ease from tonight.

A moist easterly wind flow prevails over Fiji bringing showers and thunderstorms over Yasawa and Mamanuca group, eastern half of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and the northern Lau Group. Afternoon or evening showers with thunderstorms is expected for the rest of the group until next Tuesday.

From Wednesday, weather conditions is anticipated to deteriorate again as TD02F which is expected to be a category 3 tropical cyclone moves closer to Fiji. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and damaging winds from the strengthening system is expected to affect the group. This is expected to last for a couple of days.

These bands of heavy rain can bring the risk of flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.

Damaging winds may cause minor damage to weak structured houses, plantation and break tree branches.

Rotuma
Expect gale force winds and high seas becoming very rough with damaging heavy swells over Rotuma. Rain, heavy at times with thunderstorms is expected over the island. Sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides.

The current situation is closely monitored and any alert and warning will be issued as and when significant changes are anticipated. Members of the public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information.

For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj.