The National Disaster Management Office and the Fiji Meteorological Services are closely monitoring a Tropical Depression that entered Fiji’s region this morning.
As advised by the Weather Office, TD05F is expected to develop into a Category 1 tropical cyclone later this evening or tonight.
It is anticipated to intensify further into a Category 2 system in the next 24 to 36 hours.
Acting Meteorology Director Terry Atalifo has advised that TD05F is likely to track over open waters and remain to the south-southwest of Fiji, about 700 kilometres south-southwest of Nadi, on Friday.
Atalifo said as it does, the associated trough of low pressure is expected to approach the group from the West and is likely to lie close to Fiji.
He said a trough of low pressure has been analysed over the northern parts of Fiji which is gradually moving towards the country.
Meanwhile, a heavy rain alert has been issued for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu [Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, Interior Ba and Interior Ra], Kadavu, Beqa and Vatulele, and Bua Province and Eastern Macuata Province.
A heavy rain alert has also been issued for these areas, and showers are expected to increase and become more frequent over these areas from tomorrow afternoon.
Fiji NDMO Director Vasiti Soko confirmed the National and Divisional Emergency Operations Centers have been activated from today as we continue to monitor the current weather situation closely.
Soko is urging the public to prepare their households and communities accordingly.
She said that while this system may pose some direct threats to Fiji, members of the public are strongly urged to adhere to advisories issued by authorities and prepare early.
Soko said, with coastal inundation also expected from Friday, they are urging Fijians living along coastal communities to be vigilant and remain on high alert.
Mariners are strongly advised to heed the advisories issued by authorities as sea conditions could be dangerous for small boats due to large waves and rough seas,” she added.
Soko also advised the public that with already heavily saturated soil as a result of continuous heavy rain in the past week, the risk of landslides remains.
