Storm tracks towards Viti Levu, Kadavu
Remain prepared for the worst now!
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service weather bulletin issued at 7.56pm last night Tropical Cyclone Winston is likely to hit parts of the Southern Lau group by tomorrow.
It could near Viti Levu and Kadavu by Sunday. The Nadi Weather office said a strong wind warning is in force for the Lau group, its waters and Koro Sea.
On its projected path, TC Winston is expected to maintain its Category Four intensity, and briefly intensify to Category Five and then weaken to Category Four again as it tracks westward towards Fiji.
Close to its centre, it is estimated to have average winds of 165kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 230km/hr. As of 6pm last night it was located East-northeast of Ono-i-Lau or East of Lakeba and moving West-southwest at about 9km/hr. On this track, the cyclone may bring damaging gale force or stronger winds over the Lau group from tomorrow.
Winds may increase further to damaging gale force or stronger from tomorrow as well with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms.
The rest of the Fiji group can expect moderate Southeast winds, fresh and gusty at times but getting stronger with average speeds of 45km/hr and momentary gusts of 80km/hr from tomorrow.
Expect ocasional showers and isolated thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls as well.
Mariners in the Lau waters and Koro Sea can expect southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots, increasing to 35 knots with momentary gusts to 50 knots from tomorrow afternoon.
This will bring about rough to very rough seas with moderate to heavy southeast swells.
The rest of Fiji waters can expect southeast winds of 15 to 20 knots, increasing to 25 knots with momentary gusts of 40 knots from tomorrow. This can bring about moderate to rough seas with moderate southeast swells.
The public are advised to remain prepared at all times and keep updated with the latest weather bulletins. Keep listening in to the latest updates on the radio.
Edited by Maikeli Seru
Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj
