A heavy rain warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western and Northern Viti Levu [Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, interior of Ba and interior of Ra], Bua and Macuata Province, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A flash flood alert remains in force for the low-lying areas, small streams and flood prone areas within [Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, interior of Ba and interior of Ra], Bua and Macuata Province.
A strong wind warning remains in force for the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vatulele, Kadavu, Western and Northern Viti Levu, Bua and Eastern Macuata Province.
A Coastal Inundation Alert remains in force for coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western Viti Levu to Coral Coast (from Teidamu through Lauwaki, Momi to Coral Coast), Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Central Lau and Southern Lau Group.
Category Two Tropical Cyclone Irene is located South of Port Vila and is weakening.
The Nadi Weather Office says TC Irene is expected to be located around 600 kilometres to the far southwest of Kadavu and remaining over open waters as it moves south-eastwards away from Fiji.
Even though TC Irene does not pose any direct threat to Fiji, the approaching active trough of low pressure and rain bands that is associated with the cyclone together with the prevailing northwesterly wind flow is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds over parts of the country.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong and gusty winds and rough to very rough seas is expected for Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, western and northern Viti Levu, Bua Province, Macuata province, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
It is expected to rain from time to time, with thunderstorms over the rest of the Fiji group.
Localised heavy falls may also lead to flash flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The public are also advised to be on alert as the highest tide of the year or the “King Tide” is anticipated this Sunday.
Coupled with the effects of wind-driven waves expected from TC Irene, particularly from the 20th to the 24th, there is a “high risk” of coastal sea flooding over coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western Viti Levu to Coral Coast (from Teidamu through Lauwaki, Momi to Coral Coast), Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Central Lau and Southern Lau Group.
Those living along the mentioned coastal areas are advised to remain cautious and vigilant of coastal sea flooding, especially during high tides.
