Severe Weather Alert For Damaging Heavy Swells

For people living along coastal areas of Fiji, a deep low pressure system to the far southwest of Fiji is expected to generate and direct moderate to damaging heavy southerly swells over Fiji waters.

Therefore, the following warnings have been issued:

A Coastal Flood Alert is in force for the coastal areas of southern parts of Viti Levu (from Natadola through to Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour to Suva), southern coastal areas of Mamanuca Group, Beqa, Kadavu, Vatulele, Moala Group, Lomaiviti Group and the Southern Lau Group.

A Damaging Heavy Swell Alert has been issued for Mamanuca Waters, Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Kadavu Passage, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau Waters.

For areas under coastal flood alert: expect coastal sea flooding during high tides especially on Monday and Tuesday (refer to table 1 below).

For Mamanuca Waters, Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Kadavu Passage, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau Waters: expect damaging heavy swells developing with wave heights of 2.5 to 3.5 meters from today.

Damaging heavy swells setting in from tomorrow with swell heights possibly reaching 3.5 to 4.0 meters.

Maximum swell heights of 3.5 to 4.5 meters expected from Tuesday and gradually receding from Wednesday (refer to table 2).

For Yasawa Waters, Northern Koro Sea and Northern Lau Waters: Expect moderate swells with significant wave heights of 1.0 to 1.5 meters from today and 1.5 to 3.0 meters setting in from Monday.

Maximum swell heights of 3.0 to 3.5 meters expected from Tuesday and gradually receding from Wednesday (refer to table 3).

Wave heights could double the significant wave heights expected. Sailing in these waters could be dangerous for large vessels with length of more than 100 meters.

For people living in communities near the coasts, especially in coastal areas of the southern parts of Viti Levu (from Natadola through to Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour to Suva), southern coastal areas of Mamanuca Group, Beqa, Kadavu, Vatulele, Moala Group, Lomaiviti Group and the Southern Lau Group are advised to exercise extreme caution and to be vigilant of occasional sea flooding during high tide.

For those using the Queens Road along Coral Coast particularly the stretch along Vatukarasa, should remain alert for occasional over wash of roads especially during high tides.

Hazardous breaking waves, rip current and other dangerous wave conditions are risky for swimming, fishing, boating and other sea activities.

Vessel operators are advised against navigating in these conditions.

The current situation is closely monitored. Members of the public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj