Strong wind warnings in force for Southern and Western parts of Viti Levu and other parts of Fiji

A strong wind warning is now in force for the land areas of Southern and Western parts of Viti Levu, land areas of Southern Lau, and Lomaiviti Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group.

The Nadi Weather Office says a heavy rain warning is also in force for the Southern and Eastern parts of Viti Levu.

A heavy rain alert remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western Vanua Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti Group and is now in force for the rest of the Fiji Group.

A trough of low pressure lies just to the west of Fiji.

Associated cloud and rain affects the group.

A Tropical Disturbance lies to the east of Solomon Islands embedded within the trough and is expected to gradually move southeast and pass close to Fiji .

Meanwhile, a moist easterly wind flow prevails over the group.

The Nadi Weather Office says people can expect moderate to fresh easterly winds and winds will become gusty at times from later tonight with occasional rain, heavy at times with few thunderstorms over the southern and eastern parts of Viti Levu.

Rain is expected to become heavy and frequent from this evening.

Heavy falls are expected especially in the afternoon or evening.

Showers will increase to rain, becoming frequent and heavy from tonight.

Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas.

Winds will gradually become predominantly northeast from later tonight.

Seas will be rough.