Damaging heavy swells and coastal inundation alerts issued for Fiji

Damaging heavy swells of up to four metres, with wave periods of up to 16 seconds, are expected to develop from tonight.

The Fiji Meteorological Service’s Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Nadi has issued special weather bulletins warning of damaging heavy swells and coastal inundation affecting parts of the country this week.

It said forecast confidence was moderate.

“A Damaging Heavy Swell Alert is now in force for the Mamanuca Waters, southwest Viti Levu waters, Kadavu Passage, Koro Sea and Lau Waters,” the statement said.

The alert is in place because a high-pressure system, combined with a low-pressure system far southwest of Fiji, is expected to generate and direct damaging heavy swells towards Fiji waters from today.

Authorities warned of hazardous breaking waves over open waters and strong rip currents affecting low-lying coastal areas. There is also a risk of small boats and vessels capsizing.

Coastal inundation alert

A separate Coastal Inundation Alert is also in force for southern coastal areas of the Mamanuca Group, southern Viti Levu (from Momi through Sigatoka, Korolevu, Pacific Harbour to Suva), as well as Beqa, Vatulele, Kadavu, and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups.

The situation is due to a cool east to southeast wind flow continuing over the country. Combined with the developing swell system, sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas is possible from Wednesday.

Sea flooding is expected in low-lying southern coastal areas, particularly during high tide.

High tide forecast

• Wednesday (July 8): Around 1.65m at 12.15pm – moderate chance of sea flooding.
• Thursday (July 9): 1.80m at 12.45am and 1.60m at 1.20pm – moderate chance of sea flooding.

Possible impacts include:

• Sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
• Hazardous conditions for marine and recreational activities.
• Debris washing onto roads and coastal areas.