Expect flash flooding, sea flooding and damaging heavy swells today and tomorrow

A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for low lying coastal areas of Kadavu, Beqa, Vatulele, Southern Lau group, Mamanuca group, Southern and Western Viti‑Levu. Southern Viti Levu includes Nadali, Bau, Nausori, Verata and Korovou while Western Viti Levu includes Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka.

A heavy rain warning is now in force for the Fiji Group.

The Nadi Weather Office has confirmed that a trough of low pressure with cloud and rain just to the west of Fiji is currently moving towards Fiji.

It says an embedded low along the trough is expected to bring about more heavy rain, squally thunderstorms with strong and gusty winds over the group later today.

Periods of rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms, localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas.

People in some parts of the country could expect flash flooding, sea flooding and damaging heavy swells today and tomorrow.

The Nadi Weather Office says sea flooding is likely especially during High tides. The next high tide is at 5.15pm this afternoon. 

It says a high pressure system together with a low pressure system to the far southwest of Fiji is generating and directing moderate to heavy damaging swells towards the Fiji group.

Peak waves of about 3.5 to 4.5 metres are expected over open  waters.

The Weather Office says the damaging heavy swells will gradually start easing from tomorrow night. 

The Weather Office says those using Queens Highway along the Coral Coast should remain alert for occasional over wash of  roads during high tides. 

This system is anticipated to bring periods of rain, heavy at  times and squally thunderstorms over most places from today and tomorrow. Strong and gusty winds can also be expected.