Tropical depression now a tropical cyclone

The Nadi Weather Office has declared that the Tropical Depression approaching Fiji is now a Tropical Cyclone.

Director Rajendra Prasad said Tropical Cyclone Tomas is currently located 700 kilometers North East of Udu Point and is slowly moving towards Fiji.

Prasad said Tropical Cyclone Tomas is expected to intensify as it moves closer.

He said the system should continue to intensify and curve southwards as it reaches Fiji longitudes.

Present indications are that it could reach CATEGORY 3 (HURRICANE) status as it reaches Fiji.

Usually a CATEGORY 3 and above Tropical Cyclone can dictate its own path.

There is another system which the Nadi Weather Office is monitoring.

The second Tropical Depression located just west of Santo Island in Vanuatu is also expected to deepen and form into a Tropical Cyclone in the next 12-18 hours.

The system is expected to drift westwards and is therefore of no direct threat to Fiji at this stage.

A trough of low pressure extends onto the Fiji and is expected to cause scattered rainfall activity today.

Winds are expected to become strong with outer rain bands from the cyclone expected to affect the Northern and Eastern divisions from tomorrow and spread to other areas by Sunday.

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is being considered for Fiji right now.

The slow-moving nature of Tropical Cyclone Tomas will determine when this alert will be issued.

Prasad said the first Cyclone Alert for Fiji is expected to be issued later this afternoon.