Acting Director for the Fiji Meteorological Services, Terry Atalifo says there is a moderate to high chance of a Tropical Cyclone (TC) forming from today.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun yesterday, Mr Atalifo said at midday yesterday, a tropical disturbance was analysed to the northeast of the Fiji group.

He said the tropical disturbance, called TDO9F, was expected to develop into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours as it was slowly moving southwards.

“The general direction is southwards so basically it is moving down south,” said Mr Atalifo.

“It is expected to track close to Vanua Levu and it will probably track over the Lau group as it moves south.

“The chances of this becoming a cyclone are moderate to high in the next 24 to 48 hours. So you are looking at later Tuesday to Wednesday for it to be a TC, the chances are moderate to high at this stage.”

He said Vanua Levu could expect heavy rain and strong winds posing the threat of flooding.

“The rainbands are going to bring us some rain and strong winds, especially to Vanua Levu, the nearby smaller islands, including the Lau group and most probably the Lomaiviti group as well. It depends on how close the system tracks to the east of us,” said Mr Atalifo.

“The risk of flooding for Vanua Levu is quite high at this stage.”

He said there was also a gale force warning for waters in the Northern Vanua Levu and Lau waters, a strong wind warning for land areas in Vanua Levu and the Eastern Division and a heavy rain warning for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, including nearby smaller islands in the Lau group.

Mr Atalifo reiterated that the public should keep far away from flooded drains, streams and rivers.

“Sea conditions would also be dangerous for sea travel, including fishing,” he added.

“With the past experience in the last few weeks, we still have people that go out fishing even when warnings have been given out.”

He added that for the rest of the Fiji group, moderate to fresh winds could still be expected.

“The Western side is okay, it is almost like a normal weather situation, but only the areas under warning are for the people in Vanua Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti group,” Mr Atalifo added.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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