The Fiji Meteorological Service has reported that Tropical Depression TD03F is gradually moving east-southeast towards the northern regions of Fiji, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds, which are expected to impact the country until late Thursday.
In its update, Fiji Met highlighted that an active trough of low pressure associated with TD03F is contributing to overcast skies and intermittent rain across the country. Concerns have been raised regarding persistent heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding, especially given that the soil is already saturated from recent precipitation.
As TD03F is projected to pass through the northern areas of the Fiji Group later tonight, it is expected to weaken over the Lau Group by Thursday. Despite this expected decrease in intensity, rainfall is likely to continue across the region until Thursday, gradually subsiding from the west by tomorrow evening.
The meteorological service issued a warning emphasizing that the ongoing rainfall raises the risk of flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas, particularly downstream of major rivers, along smaller streams, and potentially impacting larger river systems throughout the country.
Additionally, strong northerly winds with average speeds of approximately 50 kilometers per hour, and gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour are forecasted for northern parts of Vanua Levu, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, as well as northern Lau, from later today until Thursday, emphasizing the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for adverse weather conditions.
The situation underscores the challenges that tropical weather systems pose, but it also highlights the resilience of Fiji’s communities as they prepare to tackle the impacts of this weather event.
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