A tropical cyclone alert has been issued for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the nearby islands, and also the whole of the Lau group.

The Nadi Weather office said a tropical depression has formed within a trough of low pressure located just North of Vanua Levu. The system is currently slow moving but expected to move in a South East direction over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said as this happens, the Tropical Depression is expected to deepen and most likely develop into a Tropical Cyclone.