Fiji Met And NDMO Closely Monitor TDO5F, Which Is Expected To Intensify Into Category One

The Fiji Meteorological Service and the National Disaster Management Office are closely monitoring TD05F.

TDO5F entered the Fiji waters earlier this morning.

Fiji Met has said that TD05F is expected to develop into a Category 1 tropical cyclone late this afternoon or evening, and is anticipated to intensify further into a Category 2 system in the next 24 to 36 hours.

TD05F is expected to track over open waters and remain to the south-southwest of Fiji, roughly 700 kilometers south-southwest of Nadi, at around 6 am on Friday, according to Fiji Met acting director Mr. Terry Atalifo.

“As it does, the associated trough of low pressure is expected to approach the group from the West and is likely to lie close to Fiji. Also, a trough of low pressure has been analysed over the northern parts of Fiji and is gradually moving towards the country,” Mr Atalifo said.

These systems will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms over parts of the Fiji group from tomorrow onwards, over Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu [Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, Interior Ba and Interior Ra], Kadavu, Beqa and Vatulele, Bua Province and Eastern Macuata Province.

Showers are predicted to get heavier and more frequent over these areas starting tomorrow afternoon, according to a Heavy Rain Alert that has been issued for the area.

Strong and gusty winds are expected from tonight over Yasawa and Mamanuca Waters, Southwest Viti Levu Waters and Kadavu Passage. A Strong Wind Warning has been issued for these waters.

The Fiji Met is also advising the general public to be on alert as the highest tide of the year or the “King Tide” is anticipated this Sunday, January 22.

“Coupled with the effects of wind-driven waves expected from TD05F, particularly from the 20th to the 24th, there is a “high risk” of coastal flooding over coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, western Viti Levu to Coral Coast, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Central and Southern Lau Group,” Mr Atalifo added.

There is low to moderate risk of coastal flooding for the rest of Fiji’s coastal areas.

The National and Divisional Emergency Operations Centers have been activated as of today they work closely with their partners at the Fiji Met Services in monitoring the current weather situation in light of the forecast and alerts issued by the Fiji Met, Fiji NDMO Director Ms. Vasiti Soko confirmed.

“The NDMO continues our call for the general public to prepare their households and communities accordingly. While this system may pose some direct threats yet to Fiji, members of the public are strongly urged to adhere to advisories issued by authorities and prepare early,” Ms Soko said.

“With coastal inundation also expected from Friday, we urge Fijians living along coastal communities to be vigilant and remain on high alert. Refrain from undertaking any recreational marine activity as hazardous breaking waves and strong currents are expected – posing a peoples' lives. Mariners are also strongly advised to heed the advisories issued by authorities as sea conditions could be dangerous for small boats due to large waves and rough seas.”

Ms Soko is also advising the general public that with already heavily saturated soil as a result of continuous heavy rain in the past week, the risk of landslides occurring remains.

“Localised heavy falls may also lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas. Members of the public residing in these areas are advised to take the necessary precautionary measures and continue to stay-up-date with the latest weather information and advisories issued by authorities.”

Story By: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj