Fiji braces for heavy rain, strong winds, and flood risk

Fiji is bracing for severe weather as an active trough of low pressure moves eastwards, bringing the threat of heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal inundation. The Fiji Meteorological Service has confirmed that rain is already affecting the country, with conditions expected to deteriorate significantly from later today into tomorrow.

Residents can anticipate frequent heavy rainfall and squally thunderstorms across most areas. While conditions are predicted to ease from the west by midday tomorrow, authorities are issuing urgent warnings about potential flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. This includes informal settlements, businesses, and Irish crossings, with likely traffic disruptions anticipated. Urban areas with inadequate drainage systems are also at risk of surface flooding.

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution due to reduced visibility and wet road conditions. The strong winds, expected to reach speeds of 40 to 55 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 65 kilometers per hour, will affect all land areas and are forecast to turn northerly tomorrow. Marine conditions are equally concerning, with seas expected to be rough to very rough, posing hazards to maritime activities. A strong wind warning and a coastal inundation alert remain in effect for various low-lying coastal areas.