Before the advent of Cyclone Winston, Fiji experienced cyclones like Nina and Kina. On January 1, 1993, Cyclone Kina was located approximately 470 kilometres northwest of Nadi and had been stationary since the previous Tuesday. Concurrently, Cyclone Nina, which started in the Gulf of Carpentaria, was moving eastward towards Kina.
Rajendra Prasad, the acting director of Meteorology, expressed uncertainties about how the two cyclones would interact. He indicated that while the effects of Cyclone Nina on Kina were not clearly defined, the two systems would not merge; one cyclone would prevail over the other. “Cyclone Nina is slightly less intense than Kina, but it is expected to intensify,” Mr. Prasad noted, calling the situation complicated. Should Cyclone Nina continue on its eastward path, it was anticipated that Kina would shift between the East and South.
Mr. Prasad mentioned that Kina might remain relatively stagnant until Nina moved close enough to alter its course. Although Cyclone Nina was weaker, it was predicted to strengthen. He characterized the situation as complex and advised patience until a clearer indication of Kina’s path emerged.
At that time, Cyclone Kina was displaying hurricane-force winds, with maximum sustained winds at 75 knots and gusts reaching up to 110 knots. Satellite imagery showed disorganized cloud patterns and an undefined eye in the cyclone. Despite a cyclone alert being in effect, it was believed that Fiji would not suffer any immediate direct impacts from Kina.
Preparations were in progress, especially in the west, where residents were securing their properties. Blue Lagoon Cruises had halted operations for safety, although Nadi Airport was operating without interruptions. The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji confirmed that safety precautions were being implemented.
Resorts in the Yasawas and Mamanucas were reinforcing their facilities, while tourists from offshore resorts were being relocated to the mainland in order to board international flights. In Lautoka, the Disaster Management Services Committee (DISMEC) held a meeting to discuss the developing situation.
Additionally, it was reported that new weather and wind radar equipment, which Fiji aimed to acquire with Australian financial support, would not be installed until the 1993-94 fiscal year. An Australian team was scheduled to visit Nadi the following month to evaluate the needs and potential locations for the installation. The government also planned to build a new weather station in Nadi.