Lau Group preparing for the worst

Lau Group preparing for the worst

By Filipe Naikaso and Sharon Dipitika
03/01/2016
Tropical Cyclone Ula Forecast Track Map Number 10 issued 0122 UTC Sunday 3 January 2016 [Source: met.gov.fj]

A storm warning remains in force for Fulaga, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono i Lau.

The Nadi Weather Office says a gale warning remains in force for Kabara, Namuka, Moce, Oneata, Matuku, Totoya and Komo.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of the Lau group, Eastern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu, Taveuni and the nearby smaller islands and Eastern Vanua Levu.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula was located about 140km South of Kabara or about 50km North Northeast of Ono i Lau at 4 this afternoon.

The cyclone is moving West Southwest at about 16km/hr. 

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of 150km/hr and momentary gusts to 205km/hr.

On this track, the cyclone is expected to lie about 190km South of Kabara or about 65km North of Ono i Lau at 7 tonight and about 255km South-Southwest of Kabara or about 110km West Southwest of Ono-i-Lau at 1 tomorrow morning.

Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby or overhead.

For the rest of Fiji, moderate to fresh West to Southwest winds, gusty at times with occasional showers, possibly heavy at times.

Nadi weather office Director Ravind Kumar says they are closely monitoring Cyclone Ula as it may intensify further.

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Kumar says people living in the Lau group should be expecting strong winds going into tonight and tomorrow.

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He says Tropical Cyclone Ula is slow moving over Fiji.

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Heavy rain has started in Ono-i-Lau.

There have been reports of strong wind and rain in Lakeba, Vanubalavu, Kabara, Ono i lau, Fulaga, Oneata, Ogea and Cicia.

Villager Setoki Ledua says that rain has been pouring continuously this afternoon with strong winds.

Ledua says that they are putting up shutters and preparing themselves for tonight going into tomorrow.

Josaia Matavura from Kabara says that they have been experiencing occasional heavy rain this afternoon together with strong winds as they are preparing for the worst.

Lakeba Police Station Officer Gyandndra Odean says they are all on standby.

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Police in Lakeba say strong winds and occasional rain started this morning.

They say people living in Lakeba have been told to remain in doors.

Situation in the Central Division, Western Division and Northern Division is reported to be normal with occasional rain.

The National Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.

Stay with us for the latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.

The situation in Lakeba (Photo: facebook)

 

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