Fiji: Not over yet

Posted by on 3 February 2012 | 0 Comments

3 February 2012 -- The worst is not over yet for the rain drenched Western Division.

Two more tropical depressions are heading towards Fiji - following the same path as the two storms that had left the group.

The two new systems will bring heavy and frequent rainfall through the weekend and into the following week.

The weather office says it is issuing a warning so people can prepare themselves.

Fiji Meteorological Service director Alipate Waqaicelua said there would be flooding in low lying areas. He said the weakening tropical depression that caused heavy downpour this week was located to the far southwest of Fiji at 4pm yesterday and was moving further away.

"However, the associated active convergence zone, accompanied by active rain- bands, continue to affect the country. Rain is still expected to be frequent and heavy."

"Meanwhile, another tropical depression is developing near Vanuatu and at the moment, projected to move towards the east-southeast, generally towards Fiji," said Mr Waqaicelua.

He said at this stage it was anticipated to move over the western parts of the country on Saturday, before tracking southwards.

Heavy rain and strong and gusty north to northwest winds are expected over the whole of Fiji on Saturday and Sunday. Flooding, including flooding of low-lying coastal areas is also expected.

Following this system, is yet another tropical depression in the seas surrounding northern Australia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, southern Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

"This system is expected to become a tropical cyclone as it enters Fiji's area of responsibility, on Sunday."

"At this stage, it is anticipated to continue moving eastwards and brush past or move across the southwestern parts of Fiji next Tuesday.

"At least damaging gale force winds are expected over the southwestern parts of Fiji.

"Elsewhere, strong north to northwest winds should be expected. Rain will be frequent and heavy. Flooding, including flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected."

Fiji Times

THE worst is not over yet for the rain drenched Western Division.
Two more tropical depressions are heading towards Fiji - following the same path as the two storms that had left the group.
The two new systems will bring heavy and frequent rainfall through the weekend and into the following week.
The weather office says it is issuing a warning so people can prepare themselves.
Fiji Meteorological Service director Alipate Waqaicelua said there would be flooding in low lying areas. He said the weakening tropical depression that caused heavy downpour this week was located to the far southwest of Fiji at 4pm yesterday and was moving further away.
"However, the associated active convergence zone, accompanied by active rain- bands, continue to affect the country. Rain is still expected to be frequent and heavy."
"Meanwhile, another tropical depression is developing near Vanuatu and at the moment, projected to move towards the east-southeast, generally towards Fiji," said Mr Waqaicelua.
He said at this stage it was anticipated to move over the western parts of the country on Saturday, before tracking southwards.
Heavy rain and strong and gusty north to northwest winds are expected over the whole of Fiji on Saturday and Sunday. Flooding, including flooding of low-lying coastal areas is also expected.
Following this system, is yet another tropical depression in the seas surrounding northern Australia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, southern Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
"This system is expected to become a tropical cyclone as it enters Fiji's area of responsibility, on Sunday."
"At this stage, it is anticipated to continue moving eastwards and brush past or move across the southwestern parts of Fiji next Tuesday.
"At least damaging gale force winds are expected over the southwestern parts of Fiji.
"Elsewhere, strong north to northwest winds should be expected. Rain will be frequent and heavy. Flooding, including flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected."