Damaging heavy swell alert issued for Fiji waters

The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a Damaging Heavy Swell Alert for the Mamanuca Waters, Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Kadavu Passage, Koro Sea and Lau Waters.

The service says a high pressure system interacting with a low pressure system far southwest of Fiji is expected to generate damaging heavy swells across the affected waters from tomorrow night.

Swells of up to four metres with wave periods of up to 16 seconds are forecast, creating hazardous marine conditions.

The heavy swells may result in dangerous breaking waves, strong rip currents along low-lying coastal areas, and an increased risk of small boats and other vessels capsizing.

Mariners, fishers, coastal communities and the public are being urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary sea travel, and continue monitoring the latest weather updates and official advisories from the Fiji Meteorological Service.