A strong wind warning remains in force for land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Vanua Levu, Eastern and Southern Viti Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

Tropical depression 07F which upgraded into a Tropical Cyclone Category one yesterday afternoon was named Gita and poses no direct threat to Fiji.

Fiji Metrological Services Director Ravind Kumar confirms Tropical Cyclone Gita is heading more towards North East to East direction towards Samoa and probably might curve towards Niue and towards Tonga later next week.

“For this weekend there is no threat at all to Fiji except for the active trough of low pressure which is associated with Tropical Depression 08F will continue to affect into the weekend.TD08F is going to move towards North Eastwards to move and as Tropical Cyclone Gita moves further Eastwards, it is going to drag with it towards the East so it will continue to linger around for Fiji in for next 24 to 48 hours before it might slowly disappear.”

Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning remains in force for Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands and is now in force for rest of Fiji.

At 11am today TD08F was analysed near 45km East of Koro or about 61 km South-Southwest of Taveuni.

It is expected to gradually move North-eastwards towards Taveuni with the associated rain bands affecting the country till later Sunday.

There will be periods of rain, heavy at times and few squally thunderstorms.

The Weather office says localised heavy falls may lead to flooding of low lying areas.

Meanwhile, a flood alert remains in force for the low lying areas, small streams and areas downstream of Nabukelevu station.

A flood alert also remains in force for the low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to major rivers for Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.