NEWS

TD03F Tracking SouthEast And Expected To Pass East Of Fiji

TD03F TRACKING SOUTHEAST AND EXPECTED TO PASS JUST EAST OF FIJI Tropical depression, TD03F centre was located near 14 degrees’ south latitude and 179 degrees’ east longitude or about 150vkm
01 Jan 2019 16:12
TD03F Tracking SouthEast And Expected To Pass East Of Fiji

TD03F TRACKING SOUTHEAST AND EXPECTED TO PASS JUST EAST OF FIJI Tropical depression, TD03F centre was located near 14 degrees’ south latitude and 179 degrees’ east longitude or about 150vkm north-northwest of Udu Point and about 190vkm north-northeast of Labasa at 10am today.

TD03F may intensify further into a category 1 tropical cyclone in the next 6 to 9 hours with average winds of 65 km/hr and momentary gusts to 90vkm/hr close to the centre. TD03F is moving southeast at about 25 km/hr. However, the chances for tropical cyclone development is now low to moderate.

On the projected path, TD03F is expected to be located about 190 km north-northeast of Lakeba or about 201 km east-northeast of Udu Point at 10pm today and about 260 km east of Lakeba at 10am tomorrow morning.

For Cikobia, eastern Vanua levu from Lagalaga, Udu Point, Saqani, Natewa to Karoko, Rabi, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala Islands and northern Lau Group, expect strong to damaging gale force with speeds of 55 to 65 km/hr and momentary gusts to 90km/hr. Expect periods of rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms over Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and northern Lau Group. Elsewhere, expect occasional showers and possible isolated heavy falls. Flooding including sea flooding of low lying areas is likely.

For the rest of Vanua Levu, Lomaiviti Group, northern Viti Levu, Yasawa Group and northern Lau Group, expect fresh to strong southeast winds with speeds of 45 to 55 km/hr and momentary gusts to 80km/hr. Expect occasional showers and possible isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms.

IMG_0485

For the rest of Fiji, expect moderate to fresh southeast winds, gusty at times. Fine weather is expected apart from isolated brief showers.

IMG_0484 copy

The following warnings remain in force:

A “Gale Warning” remains in force for Cikobia, eastern Vanua Levu from Lagalaga, Udu Point, Saqani, Natewa to Karoko, Rabi, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala Islands and Northern Lau Group;

A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for Vanua Levu, Lomaiviti Group, Northern Viti Levu, Yasawa Group and Southern Lau Group;

A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force for Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and northern Lau Group;

The “Flood Alert” previously in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to major rivers of northern Vanua Levu has now been cancelled.  For northern Vanua Levu Waters, Vatu-i-ra Passage, Koro Sea and Lau Waters, mariners can expect east to southeast winds 30 to 35 knots, gusting to 45 knots with very rough to high seas.

For the rest of Fiji Waters, expect east to southeast winds 20 to 30 knots with rough to very rough seas. Chances of flash flooding remain in low-lying and flood prone areas, especially in areas of isolated heavy falls. Therefore, all communities living in low-lying and flood prone areas are requested to remain alert. Members of the public are advised to keep away from the flooded drains, streams and rivers whilst motorists are requested to take extreme care when driving in adverse weather conditions.

The system is closely monitored and any alert and warning will be issued as and when necessary.

For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service website, www.met.gov.fj. You can also visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page for latest updates.

Subscribe-to-Newspaper