Natural Disaster

Low pressure upgraded to Tropical Disturbance

December 29, 2018 5:01 pm

[Source: Fiji Meteorological Service]

The low pressure system that was analysed near Solomon Islands yesterday has been upgraded to a Tropical Disturbance at 11am today.

Fiji Meteorological Services Acting Director Viliame Vereivalu says TD03F is expected to further intensify and upgrade to a depression within the next 24 hours.

Vereivalu says TD03F has a low to moderate chance of developing into a Tropical Cyclone in the next 24 to 36 hours.

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”TD03F remains slow moving to the east of Solomon Islands and is expected to move southeast towards the Group in the next few days and bring heavy rain and strong winds. A heavy rain warning is now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group and Eastern Viti Levu. A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Vatu-I-Ra and Kadavu passages and southwest Viti Levu Waters.”

Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure lies over the southern parts of the group with another trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers affecting the group from the north.

A flood warning is now in force for low lying areas adjacent to and downstream of Naqali station.

Meanwhile, a flood alert is now in force for low lying areas adjacent to major rivers of Vanua Levu and Rewa Catchment while a strong wind warning remains in force for Vatu-I-Ra and Kadavu passages and Southwest Viti Levu Waters.

The Fiji Meteorological Service say they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Any alert and warning will be issued as and when necessary in the coming days.

The public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information and take alerts and warnings seriously.