Tropical Disturbance TDO3F continues to track closer to Fiji.                   

The Tropical Disturbance is expected to intensify into a Tropical Depression within the next 6 to 12 hours.

Nadi Weather Office Acting Director Viliame Vereivalu says the Tropical Disturbance may further intensify into a Tropical Cyclone in the next 18 to 24 hours.

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is now in force for Rotuma, Yasawa Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby Smaller Islands, Northern Viti Levu, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti group.

The Tropical Disturbance is currently moving southeast at 19 kilometres per hour.

The Nadi Weather Office says on the projected path, the Tropical Disturbance is expected to enter the Fiji group and be located 620 kilometres west-northwest of Nadi at 3pm today.

He says on its anticipated development and track, the system may bring damaging gale force winds over Rotuma, Yasawa Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Northern Viti Levu, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti Group in the next 24 to 36 hours.

These areas should expect damaging gale force winds with an average speed of 65 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 90 kilometres per hour.

These winds may break tree branches and uproot shallow rooted trees as it picks up speed.


TD03F Forecast Track Map as at 8:16am 31st December 2018 [Photo: met.gov.fj]

Vereivalu says with more rain forecasted and soil already saturated, there is high risk of flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.

All communities living in flood prone and low lying areas are reminded to take all necessary precautions and remain alert, similarly for those living in landslide prone areas.

There is a flood warning for low lying areas in the eastern half of Viti Levu and this includes low lying areas near Navua River, Rewa River, Wainibuka River, Wainimala and Naqali Rivers.

There is also a flood alert for low lying areas near major rivers in Vanua Levu.

A heavy rain warning in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and the Lau and Lomaiviti group.

The rain experienced around the country over the weekend was caused by the two low pressure systems affecting Fiji from the South and North.

However, rain is anticipated to become frequent and heavy from later today as the Tropical Disturbance currently located near the Solomon Islands moves closer and enters the Fiji group.

The Weather Office says this Tropical Disturbance has potential to produce more than 100mm of rainfall in 24 hours.