Tropical Disturbance Intensifies, May Become A Tropical Cyclone By Tomorrow

The tropical disturbance TD02F that was near Vanuatu has now intensified and upgraded to a tropical depression TD02F. At midday today, TD02F was located near 12.7 south latitude and 170.7 east longitude or about 690km west of Rotuma or 865km Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara.

TD02F is currently slow moving and expected to develop further and possibly become a tropical cyclone by midday tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression TD01F was located near 14.8 south latitude and 176.2 east longitude or about 260 kilometers northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara or about 270km south-southwest of Rotuma at midday today. TD01F has weakened and not expected to develop further.

However, it is anticipated to enhance the strong moist easterly wind flow over Fiji with associated showers to affect the eastern and northern parts of Fiji.

Forecast to midnight tomorrow over Rotuma and Fiji

Rotuma

Expect Gale Force Winds with average speeds of 65 kilometres per hour that can cause some damages to crops and shallow rooted plants including the breaking of tree branches and loose objects that are not secured properly to be blown away. High seas with heavy swells. Sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected during high tides. Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms.

For Rotuma Waters, expect north to northwest winds up to 35 knots gusting to 45 knots and high seas with damaging heavy swells. There is risk of sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas especially during high tides.

Fiji Group

Expect fresh to strong easterly winds with average speed up to 45km/h over Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Northeast Viti Levu, Coral coast to Pacific Harbour, the Lau and Lomaiviti group.

Elsewhere, moderate to fresh easterly winds, gusty at times. Rough seas.

Winds are not destructive but could be dangerous for those navigating Fiji Waters. Mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid sailing in these conditions.

Occasional showers are expected over Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and eastern parts of Viti Levu, Lau, Lomaiviti and Yasawa group. Isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible.

Elsewhere, fine weather apart from isolated afternoon and evening showers and possible thunderstorms. Isolated heavy falls likely.

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.You can also visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.

Warnings

A Gale Warning remains in force for Rotuma.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for Rotuma.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for land areas of Yasawa Group, Kadavu and nearby

smaller islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, northern parts of Viti Levu,

Coral Coast to Pacific Harbor including Lau and Lomaiviti Group.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for all Fiji waters.