Flood and heavy rain warnings remain as TD03F weakens

Tropical Depression TD03F continues to track across the Fiji group but is weakening, with the Fiji Meteorological Service (Fiji Met) saying it has a very low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

In a media release issued at midday today, the Fiji Met said TD03F was located about 640 kilometres west-northwest of Yasawa-i-rara, or 825 kilometres west of Labasa, at 9am.

The system is moving east-southeast at around 10 kilometres per hour, with an associated trough continuing to affect the country with rain bands.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the entire Fiji group, while a Flash Flood Warning also remains in effect nationwide.

A Flood Warning is in place for low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly downstream of the Nakauvadra River near Rakiraki, the Yaqara River at Naseyani, the Tavua River, and the Ba River.

Weather officials said persistent rainfall has increased the risk of flash flooding and river flooding, especially as soils remain saturated.

TD03F is expected to track through the northern parts of the Fiji group later today before weakening further over the Lau group by Thursday. Rainfall is forecast to persist until Thursday, gradually easing and clearing from the west from tomorrow.

Strong northerly winds averaging around 50 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour, are expected to affect northern Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, and northern Lau through Thursday.

For mariners, northerly winds of 20 to 30 knots are expected over Vanua Levu waters, Yasawa and Mamanuca waters, Koro Sea, and northern Lau, with moderate to rough seas and poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Possible impacts include poor visibility for motorists, damage to older or lightly built structures in exposed areas, traffic disruptions at Irish crossings, flooding of major roads, and potential disruption to essential services and power supply.

The Fiji Meteorological Service said it will continue to monitor the system and issue updates as required.

The public has been advised to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take all necessary precautions during the period of unsettled weather.