Tropical Depression 04F was located about 310km north-northeast of Rotuma at 4am today.

The Fiji Meteorological services says a gale warning is now in force for Rotuma.

TD04F is moving southeast at about 30km/hr and it may further intensify into a Tropical Cyclone in the next 12 to 18 hours.

On the anticipated development and track, the system may bring damaging gale force winds over Rotuma in the next 24 hours and over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, lau and Lomaiviti group in the next 24 to 48 hours.

On this track, the system is expected to be located about 115 km east-northeast of Rotuma or about 485 km north-northwest of Labasa at 4pm today and about 250 km north-northwest of Labasa and 260 km southeast of Rotuma at 4am tomorrow.

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for all land areas of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa group and northern Viti Levu from Rakiraki to Tailevu north.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the eastern half of Viti Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti group.