12/11/2023
Media Release:
TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT NOW IN FORCE
Key Messages:
• A Gale Alert is now in force for the Yasawa Group, Mamanuca Group and Western and Northern Viti Levu. This is expected to be extended to the rest of the country later on.
• Tropical disturbance TD02F could potentially intensity into a tropical cyclone by later Monday or early Tuesday.
• On its current projected path, it is expected to approach the Fiji Group by later Tuesday and continue its journey through the country on Wednesday.
• While the current projected path is over Viti Levu, there are significant uncertainty at present as the system has not yet fully developed.
• It may become much clearer when the system becomes a tropical cyclone.
• Given the above, whole of Fiji Group is advised to be alert for a possible tropical cyclone.
Details:
A Gale Alert is now in force for the Yasawa Group, Mamanuca Group and Western and Northern Viti Levu. A Strong Wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji group.
Tropical Disturbance TD02F lies slow moving to the east of Solomon Islands and is likely to intensify into a tropical cyclone by later Monday or early Tuesday. On its current projected path, it is expected to approach the Fiji Group from later Tuesday and continue its journey through the country on Wednesday.
While the current projected path is over Viti Levu, there are significant uncertainty at present as the system has not yet fully developed. It may become much clearer when the system becomes a tropical cyclone.
Given this new development, the whole Fiji Group is advised to be on alert for a possible tropical cyclone.
Gale to storm force winds are likely over the country from later Tuesday into Wednesday. These winds can break tree branches, blow unsecured and loose materials, disrupt communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines, damage temporary and weak structures, increase the risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts, and increase the risk for hazardous breaking waves and coastal inundation of debris along low lying coastal areas, especially during high tides. There is also the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including flash flooding.
Meanwhile, a Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Northern Division, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups, while a Heavy Rain Alert is in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu. This is due to a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain which remains slow moving just to the north of Fiji. It is expected to drift south and affect the northern and eastern parts of the group from later tonight.
The following risks are expected, especially for areas under heavy rain warning:
• Localised flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas;
• Localised flooding of minor roads, Iris crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow; and
• Poor visibility out at sea and as well as on land with increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads.
For mariners, a Gale Alert is now in force for Yasawa and northern Vanua Levu waters. A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for rest of Fiji Waters. Southeasterly winds with speeds up to 20 to 30 knots, with rough to very rough seas expected over Fiji Waters. Winds expected to increase to 35 knots, with 50 knots gust and become clockwise later Tuesday. Seas likely to become very rough with high seas later on Tuesday. Over open waters, sea conditions are potentially hazardous for small crafts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.
For more information and clarification, please contact the Acting Director of Meteorology, Mr. Bipen Prakash on 9905379 or [email protected].
For latest forecasts, you can visit the Fiji Meteorological Service website at www.met.gov.fj or you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Click on the link to access the Heavy Rain Alert Bulletin: https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1 #20014.txt
Click on the link to access the daily Public Forecast updates: https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=public
Click on the link to access the latest Strong Wind Warning (over waters) update: https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=marine
Click on the link to access the 5-Day Tropical Cyclone Outlook: https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=5dayoutlook
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