A heavy rain alert is now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau group and the Yasawa group.

Fiji Meteorological Services Director Misaele Funaki says this comes as Tropical Disturbance TD03F has intensified further and upgraded into a Tropical Depression.

Funaki says the system now lies to the far North of Fiji.

“The system is quite slow moving but we expect that in the next 12-24 hours the system will gradually move South. As it moves south it will continue to intensify, so we expect this system to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 18-24 hours. So you’re looking at around tomorrow afternoon or so is when it will develop into a tropical cyclone.”

Funaki adds that the centre of Tropical Depression 03F was located about 510km Northwest of Rotuma and 1020km Northwest of Labasa at 4 this afternoon.

“The anticipation process as the system continues to move South we’ll see a gradual increase in the winds and also the rain will start to become heavy and we are expecting this from tomorrow afternoon.”

A strong wind warning also remains in force for land areas and waters of Rotuma.