FIJI METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE GOVERNMENT OF REPUBLIC OF

MEDIA RELEASE No. 10

HIGH CHANCE OF SEA FLOODING TODAY AND TOMORROW TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION

For people living along the southern coastal parts of Fiji and those navigating Fiji Waters.

Issued at 10am Friday, 25 June 2021

A high pressure system to the far south of Fiji continues to gradually move east and is generating and directing moderate southerly swells towards the Fiji waters which can cause coastal inundation over the southern coastal parts of the group. The high pressure system also directs fresh to strong southeast wind flow over the country. Consequently, A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for the land areas of Southern , Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Lau Group and northern . A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Fiji Waters. A Coastal Flood Warning remains in force for coastal areas of the southern parts of Viti Levu (from Natadola through to Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour to Suva), southern coastal areas of Mamanuca Group, , Kadavu, , Moala Group, Lomaiviti Group and the Southern Lau Group. Winds Expect rough to very rough seas with fresh to strong southeast winds with average speed up to 55 kilometers per hour over Yasawa and Mamanuca group, southern Viti Levu (from Natadola through to Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour to Suva), Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Lau Group and northern Vanua Levu. Elsewhere, expect moderate to fresh southeast winds which can be gusty at times. Winds of this strength can cause large tree branches to sway, whistling in wires, impedes walking and make it difficult to use umbrellas. Over open waters, sea conditions are potentially hazardous for small crafts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions. Strong winds expected to prevail over the concerned areas above until Saturday.

Sea Flooding Expect sea flooding during high tides especially on Friday (today) and Saturday over coastal areas of the southern parts of Viti Levu, southern coastal areas of Mamanuca Group, Beqa, Kadavu, Vatulele, Moala Group, Lomaiviti Group and the Southern Lau Group. People living in communities along these coastal areas, are advised to exercise extreme caution and to be vigilant of occasional sea flooding during high tide especially on Friday (today) and Saturday. For those using the Queens Road along Coral Coast particularly the stretch along Vatukarasa, should remain alert for occasional over wash of roads especially during high tides. Hazardous breaking waves, rip current and other dangerous wave conditions are risky for swimming, fishing, boating and other sea activities. Vessel operators are advised against navigating in these conditions. The current situation is closely monitored. Members of the public are advised to remain updated with the latest weather information.

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. You can also visit the Fiji Meteorological Service official Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.

Appendix

Table 1: For expected approximate high tides from Friday 25th June to Sunday 27thd June, 2021. Date Time Approximate High Tides Expected Friday (25th June) 6:20am 2.06 meters (moderate to high chance of sea flooding) 7.10pm 1.82 meters (moderate to high chance of sea flooding) Saturday (26th June) 7.15am 2.05 meters(high chance of sea flooding) 8.04pm 1.82 meters (high chance of sea flooding) Sunday (27th June) 8.09am 2.01 meters(low to moderate chance of sea flooding) 8.58pm 1.80 meters (low to moderate chance of sea flooding)

End.