The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Keni which is a category 3 cyclone is expected to make landfall near South West Viti Levu in the next hour.

Th Nadi Weather Office says the areas that are expected to feel the full brunt of Cyclone Keni are areas from Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka through to the Coral Coast and Navua.

For these areas expect winds of 135 kilometres per hour gusting to 185 kilometres per hour from now as you will already feel the full effects of the front end of the cyclone before the centre makes landfall.

This means that people should expect destructive winds in these areas, very heavy swells sea and river flooding. 

The effects of a category 3 cyclone are extensive structural damage to houses, infrastructure, power poles and lines, large trees are expected to fall and low lying escape routes will be cut off.

Other areas that will get destructive winds are Mamanuca Group, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala, Totoya, Matuku and Ono-i-Lau.


Threat Track map of Tropical Cyclone Keni CAT 3 as of 8:22AM today (10th Apr 18) Photo: met.gov.fj

Damaging winds that can be gusting to 120 kilometres per hour can be felt for the rest of Viti Levu including Suva, Nausori, Tailevu and Rakiraki. These winds can damage temporary structures and crops.

Strong winds and heavy rain is forecast for Vanua Levu, Taveuni,  and nearby smaller islands and Northern Lau Group.

The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Keni is located about 175 kilometres West of Nadi. It continues to move East South East towards Fiji at 20 kilometres per hour.

The Weather Office says Cyclone Keni is expected to continue to track East South Eastwards and possibly make landfall just over South West Viti Levu at midday today. The areas listed as South West Viti Levu are Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka through to the Coral Coast and Navua.


Image from space of TC Keni CAT 3 moving towards Fiji as of 6am today (10th Apr 18) Photo: NASA 

Expect destructive winds to start picking up soon.

Please take all necessary precautions now.

The Weather Office says the rain bands associated with Tropical Cyclone Keni is affecting the group.

There is also a flood alert now for all low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to all major rivers in Fiji.

Please note that damaging winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

On the projected track of Cyclone Keni, the centre of the cyclone is expected to be located about 67 kilometres South of Nadi at about 2pm today and about 250 kilometres North West of Ono-i-Lau at 8 tonight.

 

You can call us on 3314766 if you need any assistance and we will refer you to the relevant authorities. You can also send us photos and videos on our facebook messenger, fijivillage.

Stay with us for the latest weather updates.

 

SITUATION UPDATE

  • Sigatoka

Strong winds have picked up in Sigatoka and people are experiencing heavy rain.

Abhay Chand Sharma of Nabitu, Sigatoka says they have left their homes and are taking shelter at a safe place.

Guests at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort in Korotogo have been moved to safe locations within the complex as Sigatoka braces for strong winds.

General Manager Peter Hopgood says all precautionary measures have been taken.

  • Nadi

People are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds in Nadi.

Saunaka resident, Sofia Sahinaz says by the look of the weather at the moment anything can happen.

Samu Tudraki of Narewa Village also says that they are experiencing strong winds.

  • Ba

Villagers of Navaga, Ba are currently experiencing strong winds and heavy rain. Flood waters are also rising in some areas in Ba.

Kalaveti Naisoro says that they are putting up shutters and have evacuated families from flood prone areas to their village hall.

Naisoro says that the village road is also flooded and access has been cut off.

He says flood waters have entered one house in the village.

 

  • Lautoka

Heavy rain and strong winds are being experienced in Viseisei in Vuda, Lautoka.

A resident has informed us that people in the area have taken necessary precautions like trimming trees near their houses and a few of them have taken down their satellite dishes as well.

He says they are also experiencing power surges.

Another Lautoka resident from Lovu Seaside says they are experiencing heavy spells of rain while the windshave picked up.

 

  • Navua

People are beginning to experience strong winds and continuous rain.

This has been confirmed by Navua Police.