Adverse weather expected in parts of Fiji over the long weekend

October 6, 2022

A heavy rain alert remains in force for the greater Suva, Nausori and Tailevu areas, eastern parts of Ra, Naitasiri, Serua-Namosi, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands. 

This is due to a trough of low pressure that remains slow moving over northern parts of the  Fiji group. Cloud and showers associated with the trough are expected to affect the Eastern and Northern parts of the country for the next few days. Another trough of low pressure is anticipated to approach the group from the West later tomorrow. 

Isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls are likely with showers becoming frequent and increasing to rain from tomorrow over the greater Suva, Nausori, and Tailevu areas, Eastern parts of Ra, Naitasiri and Serua-Namosi, Lau and Lomaiviti Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.  

Flash flooding of low-lying areas, localised flooding of Irish crossings and informal settlements and poor visibility both on land and out at sea is expected in the areas under heavy rain warning. 

A strong wind warning is now in force for Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands. 

Easterly winds with speeds of 35 kilometres per hour to 45 kilometres per hour developing from tomorrow over land areas of Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.  

Winds of this strength can break tree branches and cause damage to very weak structured houses or unshielded structures in exposed communities. 

A strong wind warning remains in force for Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Yasawa Waters,  Kadavu and Vatu-i-Ra Passages, Koro Sea and Lau Waters. 

Easterly winds 15 to 20 knots today and increasing to 20 to 25 knots from tomorrow over  Southwest Viti Levu waters, Yasawa waters, Kadavu and Vatu-i-Ra passages, Koro Sea and  Lau waters. Expect rough seas and poor visibility in areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms. 

Mariners are advised that sea conditions in the areas that are currently under strong wind warning is of high risk for sea travel, especially for those navigating in small to medium sea crafts.

A damaging heavy swell alert is now in force for Southwest Viti Levu Waters, Kadavu  Passage, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau Waters. 

A coastal inundation alert is now in force for the coastal areas of southern parts of Viti  Levu (from Natadola through Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour), southern coastal areas of  Mamanuca Group, Kadavu, and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Lomaiviti Group,  Southern and Central Lau Group. 

This is due to an intensifying high pressure to the south of Fiji that is expected to generate and direct moderate to damaging heavy swells over Fiji waters. 

Expect coastal sea flooding during high tides from Saturday until Monday in the coastal areas of southern parts of Viti Levu (from Natadola through Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour),  southern coastal areas of Mamanuca Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala  Group, Lomaiviti Group, Southern and Central Lau Group. 

Those living in the above-mentioned areas should expect damaging to severe coastal inundation of debris along low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tides. Sea conditions may be dangerous for recreational activities. 

The Fiji Meteorological Service will continue to monitor this weather event and update warnings and forecasts accordingly. 

Source: Fiji MET

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