MEDIA RELEASE No.16

5pm Wednesday 22nd February 2017

HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS AFFECTING PARTS OF THE COUNTRY IS ANTICIPATED TO GRADUALLY EASE FROM FRIDAY

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue in the northern parts of the as the active trough of low pressure remains slow moving over the group. Associated cloud and rain affects the northern parts of the Group and gradually spread to other parts of tomorrow and start easing from Friday.

TD12F lies to the far west of Fiji and continues to move towards the Group while TD14F lies to the far southeast of Fiji and is moving away from the group. TD12F has a low potential to develop into a significant tropical cyclone over Fiji Waters. However, as the trough associated with TD12F comes closer to the Group, it is expected to bring heavy rain and strong north-westerly winds over the northern parts of the country. In anticipation of the above, the following warnings and alerts is now force:

 A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force , Northern , and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa, Lomaiviti and the Northern Lau Group;

 A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for land areas Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa Group and the Northern Lau Group;

 A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for Yasawa waters, Northern Vanua Levu and Northern Lau waters; and

 A “Flood Alert” is remains in force for low lying areas and small streams adjacent to major rivers for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Expect periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms over Vanua Levu, northern Viti Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa, Lomaiviti and northern Lau group. Elsewhere, expect occasional showers and few thunderstorms becoming frequent from later tomorrow. For Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, northern Lau and Yasawa group expect, 40km/hr to 50km/hr strong northwest winds, gusting to 65km/hr. Elsewhere, moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, gusty at times.

Mariners can expect northwest winds 20 to 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots with rough seas and moderate northwesterly swells over Yasawa, Northern Vanua Levu and Northern Lau waters. The rest of Fiji Waters can expect southeast winds 15 to 20 and moderate to rough seas.

All communities are advised to remain alert as localised heavy rain can cause flash flooding in low lying areas and those areas prone to flooding. General public is requested to take alerts, warnings and advisories seriously whenever it is issued and remain prepared at all times.

For more details and the latest on weather, please contact the National Weather Forecasting Centre on 6736006, 9905376 or visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s website, www.met.gov.fj

ENDS.

Figure 1: Weather Map at 3.00pm today 22nd February 2017.

TD12F

TD14F

Figure 2: Satellite image at 03.30pm on 22nd February 2017.