FIJI – Fiji is getting little respite from bad weather.

Following in the path of two cyclones in recent weeks, a new tropical disturbance is being heralded by a heavy rain warning which remains in force for Fiji’s Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, eastern half of Viti Levu and Yasawa.

There is a small chance that it could be upgraded to a category one cyclone by this weekend, Fiji Meteorological Service director, Ravind Singh said yesterday.

A flood alert is also in force for all small streams, creeks and low lying areas adjacent to major rivers within Vanua Levu and the eastern half of Viti Levu.

A general heavy rain alert is in force for the rest of Fiji.

A tropical disturbance associated with a trough of low pressure located to the north of Fiji is gradually moving south towards Fiji. Associated cloud and rain is expected to affect Fiji till Monday morning.

The Nadi Weather Office said there is a five to 20 per cent chance for the system to develop into a tropical cyclone.

It said expect heavy rain and thunderstorms until Monday and warns that localised heavy rain may lead to flash flooding.

Singh said the National Weather Forecasting Centre is monitoring Tropical Disturbance (TD17F).

“During the course of the next six to twelve hours we anticipate that these warnings to be upgraded to the whole of Fiji and the heavy rain to continue through the weekend.”

Singh said torrential rain is expected which may result in the bursting of some river over their banks.

“Given that we had a significant amount of rain last week and flooding of the low lying areas we expect major rivers to swell up and even break the banks.

Singh said the disturbance is expected to clear by Sunday.

“For now, the Tropical Depression does not have the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone while it is still in the Fiji waters, however beyond that the probability increases to moderate but it does not get to high in the next four to five days.

A flood alert is now in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Rakiraki town which was flooded last week.

“Rain is expected become frequent and heavy with isolated thunderstorms and to spread to the whole group tomorrow, flooding is expected over low lying areas and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide latest updates.”

Singh had advised the general public that the nation was still in the tropical cyclone and wet season.

“High variability in weather can be expected and severe weather cannot be ruled out at this time of the year – therefore, all communities are advised to remain alert and prepared at all times. Furthermore, take forecast warnings and advisories seriously and make informed decisions,” he said.

- PNC sources