Heavy rain warning remains as TC Urmil upgraded to Category 2

A heavy rain warning remains in force for parts of the country as Tropical Cyclone Urmil has intensified to a Category 2 system over Vanuatu.

In a special weather bulletin issued at 10.30am today, the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi said the cyclone poses no direct threat to Fiji.

However, a slow-moving trough of low pressure over the group, combined with strong and moist northwesterly winds associated with the cyclone, is expected to bring periods of heavy rain from later today.

A heavy rain warning remains in place for the Western Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A heavy rain alert remains in force for Macuata and the northern parts of Bua Province.

For the Western Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, occasional showers with isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms are forecast. Showers are expected to increase to frequent and heavy rain with a few thunderstorms from later today.

For Macuata and northern Bua, occasional rain, heavy at times, and a few thunderstorms are forecast.

The Weather Office says localised heavy falls could trigger flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Possible impacts include flash flooding in informal settlements and low-lying communities, surface flooding in urban areas with poor drainage, traffic disruptions at Irish crossings, and reduced visibility on wet roads.

Forecast confidence is moderate to high.