Brace yourselves for TC Mona and another storm right behind her - TC Penny.
At 4.30pm yesterday, international and local tracking placed TC Mona close to Rotuma and the entire Fiji Group. If it remains on that track then TC Mona will make landfall near Labasa tomorrow at 7pm.
After crossing through Vanua Levu, TC Mona is showing a track similar to TC Winston and is expected to make a turn and cut over the Lomaiviti Group, close to the Central Division, at around 6am on Monday before passing close to Kadavu.
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While this may change within the next 24 hours, the fact remains that the whole of Fiji will feel the brunt of TC Mona over the next few days. And that is not the least of our worries.
If TC Penny gains momentum, we will have another storm over the Fiji Group for a few more days.
In the Central Division, massive flooding is expected and due precaution needs to be taken.
In the Northern Division, if TC Mona makes landfall at Category 2, hurricane force winds and flooding is expected.
This is not time for parents to leave their children unattended and this is most certainly not the time to take weather lightly.
There may have been differences in how TC Mona is tracking based on different tracking maps but for Fijians, the best advice is to listen to the official advisory that comes from our Fiji Meteorological Office and to take our own precautions.
A number of parents may be out today to do back to school shopping. Be mindful of the approaching storm and secure your homes and be aware of your children’s whereabouts.
We have seen too many people, especially young Fijians drowning while attempting to cross flooded rivers.
The last thing we need is more lives to be lost because of negligence and poor planning, especially when this can be avoided.
While our local weather tracking agencies have not picked up the approach of TC Penny, it may very well be around the corner.
People need to take the initiative to clear the drains near their homes. These drains will be the cause of flash flooding over the next few days. We have got to do our part and it starts from home.
Stocking up with water, canned food, medication and a bag with clothes in the event of an emergency evacuation will come in handy.
Our meteorological office has warned Fijians of the approaching storm, the onus is on us to be prepared.
Prepare well and brace yourselves - TC Mona is coming.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj
