[Source: Fiji Meteorological Service]

Uncertainties remain around Tropical Cyclone Ana with the Fiji Meteorological Services now saying the system is unlikely to develop into a category II.

More rain is expected to affect the group from later today into tomorrow as Tropical Cyclone Ana tracks towards Fiji.

Acting Fiji Meteorological Director Terry Atalifo also says with heavy rain, the system will also be packing gale-force winds.

Atalifo says flooding will be a major issue.

“We have reported flooding in the last few days and with more heavy rain that will mean flooding will be a big issue for today and tomorrow. You expect the damage to minor infrastructure, plantations like the vegetation will be damaged and breaking of small trees and loose objects too. That kind of wind strength can make these loose objects fly around to so these are some of the effects with a category 1 wind strength.”

According to Atalifo the projected track also shifted slightly eastward this morning, however, the adverse weather will be felt everywhere.

“So before we were anticipating it to come from the Mamanucas, cross over Nadi and out in Navua but now it’s slightly shifted just to the north of Yasawa, Rakiraki crossing Nausori area diving south.”

TC Ana is likely to make landfall over Ra Province around tomorrow morning then continue to move southeastwards over Viti Levu and track close to Kadavu tomorrow night into Monday morning.

Gale force winds have been reported over Yasawa-i-Rara this morning and is expected to affect the rest of the Fiji Group from later today.

A flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas and areas adjacent to small stream and major rivers of Viti Levu.

It is now also in force for all low lying areas and areas adjacent to small stream and major rivers for Vanua Levu.

The flash flood warning applies for all low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams and creeks in Fiji.

Areas included are Nabouwalu to Labasa, Nabouwalu to Kubulau, Dawara to Nabalebale village along the Wailevu West Coast Road, Naibalebale village to Savusavu, Savusavu to Natewa and Tunuloa, Koroalau to Saqani and Saqani to Labasa.

Areas included in the flash flood warning for Viti Levu are low lying areas from Sigatoka through Lautoka to Rakiraki, Semo, Naiwaicoba, Nadi back road, Lomolomo and Barara Flats, Navutu Flats, Lovu, Saru Back Road, Vuda back road, Koronubu flat, Namosau, Veisari, Baravu flats and Nailaga areas, Nausori, Naqali, Serua, Korovou and Lodoni.

At 3 pm today, the water levels at most stations around Fiji were decreasing.

Tropical Cyclone Ana was located 200 kilometres Northwest of Nadi today moving East Southeast at about 20km/ph.