Tropical Cyclone alert in force for Fiji

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is in force for Fiji while a Tropical Cyclone Warning is in force in place for Rotuma.

The Nadi Weather Office says the Tropical Depression was located at 550 kilometres West of Rotuma or about 810 kilometres North West of Nadi earlier today. It is expected to intensify and become a category 1 Tropical Cyclone by this evening as it continues to approach the Fiji Group.

It is moving at a speed of about 20 kilometres per hour, and continues to track Eastwards towards us.

People are expected to experience damaging winds from today.

Also expect continuous heavy rain, flash flooding and sea flooding.

Based on the current tropical cyclone forecast track, the tropical cyclone could make landfall over Vanua Levu tomorrow, and people in Vanua Levu, Viti Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lomaiviti and Northern Lau Group should start feeling the effects of the cyclone from today.

Expect heavy rain and damaging winds to affect the Fiji Group from later today.

A heavy rain warning is already in force for Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lomaiviti and Northern Lau Group while a heavy rain alert is in force for the rest of Fiji.

A strong wind warning is also in place for Fiji.

The Weather Office says once named, it will be called Tropical Cyclone Tino.

Stay with us for developments.