A gale warning is now in force for Yasawa, Mamanuca groups, Western half of Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the rest of Fiji and a strong wind warning remains in force for the Fiji group.

A tropical depression was located at 17 decimal 7 South 173 decimal 6 East or about 410km West of Nadi at midday today.

The depression is currently moving East South East at 20km per hour and is expected to intensify further and possibly turn into a Tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

Nadi Weather officer Tropical cyclone forecaster, Misaele Funaki said close to its center the depression is estimated to have winds with average speeds up to 55km per hour with momentary gusts to 90 km per hour.

Damaging gale force winds with average speed of 65 to 75km per hour with momentary gusts to 110 km per hour are expected within 110 to 280 km away from the center.

On this track and if the depression continues to intensify, the center is expected to lie about 230km West-South West of Nadi at Midnight tonight and about 250km South of Nadi or about 130 km South-South West of Kadavu by midday tomorrow.

Rain and gale force winds are expected to start affecting the group from later today.

For the rest of Fiji, moderate East to North-East winds gradually turning Northerly and becoming strong from later today with more frequent rainfall also expected from this evening which may cause flash flooding.
 
For mariners, North to North-West winds increasing to 35 knots with gusts to 60 knots about Yasawa and Mamanuca, South West Viti Levu, Kadavu passage, Southern Koro sea and Southern Lau waters.

Very rough to high seas with damaging heavy North-Westerly swells are also expected.

The next special weather bulletin for Fiji will be issued at 6pm.

We will provide you the latest weather updates throughout tonight.

Take the necessary precautions and do not be complacent as the tropical cyclone alert is in place and the depression is likely to form into a tropical cyclone.


Story by: Roneel Lal & Ronal Deo