Strong winds, heavy rain to affect Fiji from Wednesday

Strong winds and periods of heavy rain are expected to affect parts of the Fiji Group from later Wednesday, as a tropical disturbance tracks closer to the country.

The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) said Tropical Disturbance TD07F, which was officially numbered at midday on Tuesday, is located northeast of Vanuatu and far northwest of Fiji. The system is expected to move south-southeast between Vanuatu and Fiji over the next two days.

While there is a low chance of TD07F intensifying into a tropical cyclone, it is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression by Wednesday.

Alerts in force

A Heavy Rain Alert is now in force for the entire Fiji Group.

A Strong Wind Alert has also been issued for land areas of:

• Yasawa and Mamanuca groups
• Northern Vanua Levu
• Western and northern Viti Levu
• Kadavu and nearby islands

Strong wind alerts are also in force for marine areas, including:

• Southwest Viti Levu waters
• Yasawa and Mamanuca waters
• Northern Vanua Levu waters
• Kadavu and Vatu-i-Ra passages

What to expect

The weather office said fresh to strong northwest winds of up to 55km/h, with gusts reaching 80km/h, are expected over affected land areas from later Wednesday. Winds are forecast to ease by Thursday.

An active trough of low pressure associated with the system is expected to bring occasional to periods of heavy rain across the country from Wednesday, with conditions easing by Friday.

Advisory for mariners

Mariners have been warned of strong northwest winds of 20 to 30 knots, with gusts of up to 45 knots, over affected waters.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has advised small craft operators and inter-island vessels to exercise caution and to closely monitor official forecasts and warnings.

The public is urged to stay informed through official Fiji Met updates and to take necessary precautions as weather conditions deteriorate.

Further updates will be issued as the system develops.