TC Urmil leaves Fiji waters, but heavy rain and flood warnings remain

Tropical Cyclone Urmil is expected to leave Fiji’s waters around 6pm today, the Fiji Meteorological Service says.

However, authorities warn that severe weather conditions will continue to affect the Fiji Group through tomorrow.

Although the system is moving away, active rainbands and strong northwesterly winds associated with it remain widespread.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the entire Fiji Group, with forecasters cautioning that persistent downpours may continue to trigger flooding in low‑lying areas.

The Category 2 system continues to track southeastward and is gradually weakening as it moves into less favourable conditions.

Periods of heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue before conditions begin to ease over the next two to three days.

The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Nadi will hand over monitoring responsibility to the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (TCWC) in Wellington once the system crosses 25 degrees south latitude.

At that point, New Zealand authorities will assume official responsibility for tracking the cyclone and issuing advisories.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has advised residents to continue monitoring official weather updates and remain vigilant until conditions fully improve.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all schools across Fiji tomorrow.