Tropical Cyclone Ula is not expected to directly affect Fiji at this stage however the associated active rain bands is expected to bring heavy rain over the country with possible strong and gusty winds.

The Fiji Meteorology office says there will be occasional rain; heavy at times is expected at most places.

Isolated thunderstorms are likely and moderate East to North East winds- fresh and gusty at times.

Localized heavy rain may lead to flash flooding.

Nadi Weather Office Director Ravindra Kumar says Tropical Cyclone Ula was located 14.7 Degrees South; 167.1 degrees West or about 510 kilometers East of Apia and moving South-Southwest at 17 knots.

Tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to remain a Category One system over the next 24 to 48 hours and maintains a South-Southwest track.

On this projected path it’s expected to lie about 350km South east of Apia at 7am tomorrow and about 480km South-South West of Apia at 7am on Saturday.

TD07F was located near 13.8 degrees South Latitude and 177.6 degrees East or about 155km South-South East of Rotuma at 7am this morning.

Kumar says TD07F is moving East South east- on this projected path it’s expected to pass close to Fiji over night tomorrow.

The system lies in a moderate to high sheared environment and has low to moderate potential to develop into a Tropical Cyclone next 24 to48 hours.

For Rotuma, a strong wind warning remains in force for Rotuma land and waters over the land strong northerly winds with average speed of 50kmp/h and gusts up to 65km p/h.

Over the waters, Strong northerly winds 25-30 knots gusting to 40 knots, rough to very rough seas.

Periods of rain heavy at times and a few squally thunderstorms are anticipated.

For mariners, East to North East winds 15-20 knots gusting to 30 knots.

Winds becoming strong with speeds 20-25 knots from tomorrow.

Poor visibility in the areas of rain and thunderstorms moderate to rough seas.