TC Mal moves close to Kadavu while western Viti Levu to experience gale force winds for a few hours

Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Mal is now showing signs of weakening as it moves towards Kadavu.

The centre of TC Mal is located 130 kilometres west of Kadavu.

Kadavu start feeling the effects of TC Mal#Weather⛈️ #TCMal🌀#fyp #fiji pic.twitter.com/hhnDx1YwI2

— fijivillage (@fijivillage) November 14, 2023

It is moving in a southeast direction away from the Fiji Group.

Acting Director of the Nadi Weather Office, Bipen Prakash says while it is still a category 3 system, it is expected to weaken to category 2 within the next 6 to 9 hours.

As the centre is close to Kadavu, storm to gale force winds is likely over southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

Although severe TC Mal has moved away from western Viti Levu, gusty winds are still experienced over that side of the island.

TC Forecast Track Map as of 9:49AM Wednesday 15 November 2023 Photo:Fiji Met

Prakash says this may continue for some time before it eases later this morning or afternoon.

Winds have now eased over Yasawa.

Despite the expected movement of the system away from the Fiji Group, rain bands associated with severe TC Mal may continue to affect Fiji for a while.

Periods of rainfall, heavy at times are expected over most parts of the Fiji Group.

Consequently, a Heavy Rain Warning continues for whole of the Fiji Group.

A Flash Flood Warning is in force for whole of Viti Levu, while a Flash Flood Alert is in Force for western Vanua Levu.

The next high tide is at around 7.30pm tonight.

Read More here: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/We-are-engaging-DOs-to-ensure-emergency-ration-packs-are-provided-to-those-in-need-at-the-centres---Ditoka-x45rf8/