People in some parts of the country could expect flash flooding, sea flooding and damaging heavy swells this weekend.
A damaging heavy swell alert is now in force for low lying coastal areas of Southern and Western Viti Levu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Southern Lau and Mamanuca Groups. Southern Viti Levu includes Nadali, Bau, Nausori, Verata and Korovou while Western Viti Levu includes Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka.
The Nadi Weather Office says a low pressure system to the south of Fiji and a high pressure advancing over the Tasman Sea is generating and directing moderate to heavy damaging swells towards Fiji.
The swells are expected to become damaging from tomorrow as they travel northwards from the Tasman Sea towards the Fiji Group.
Peak waves of about 3.5 to 4.5 metres are expected over open waters.
The Weather Office says there is very high chance that the waves riding on top the high tide can over wash into the vegetation line, causing inundation on coastal low‑lying areas of Southern and Western Viti Levu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Southern Lau and Mamanuca Groups.
The damaging heavy swells will gradually start easing from Monday night.
Wave conditions can be risky for mariners such as fishing and sea transportation on coastal reefs especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.
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 weekend.
All communities living near the coasts and other sea users, particularly in Southern and Western Viti Levu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Southern Lau and Mamanuca Groups are advised to be vigilant and to exercise extreme caution for occasional sea flooding especially Sunday evening and Monday morning during high tides.
A trough of low pressure with an associated low is also expected to affect the country from Sunday evening. This system is anticipated to bring periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms over most places from Sunday night to Monday. Strong and gusty winds can also be expected.
Persistent localised heavy rain may cause flash flooding of low lying areas. People living in low lying and flood prone areas are advised to remain alert and take appropriate precaution if and when necessary.
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