Heavy swell alert upgraded to warning for Fiji waters

A damaging heavy swell warning has been issued for parts of Fiji, with waves of up to four metres expected to develop from later tonight, posing a risk to small boats and low-lying coastal areas.

The Fiji Meteorological Service today upgraded its heavy swell alert to a warning for Mamanuca waters, southwest Viti Levu waters, Kadavu Passage, the Koro Sea and Lau waters.

Forecasters said a northeast to southeast wind flow, combined with a high pressure system and a low pressure system to the far southwest of Fiji, was expected to generate damaging heavy swells across the affected waters.

The warning forecasts swells of up to 4.0 metres with wave periods of up to 14 seconds developing from later tonight.

The weather office warned of hazardous breaking waves over open waters and dangerous rip currents reaching low-lying coastal areas.

It said there was also a possibility of small craft and boats capsizing.

The forecast confidence is moderate.

The next special weather bulletin will be issued at around 10.30pm tonight, or earlier if conditions change.