Tropical Cyclone Sarai - Dec 2019

Tropical Cyclone Sarai, category 2, is located approximately 520 km west-northwest of Tonga as of 29 December 10:00 UTC. Close to its centre, the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 120km/h with momentary gusts up to 150 km/h. TC Sarai continues moving at about 8 km/h east-southeast towards Tongan waters on 31 December. Storm and flood warnings have been issued in Fiji with one person reported dead and one missing. It is estimated that over 2,500 people have been moved to 70 evacuation centres. The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain and flash flood warning for the entire country, with expected rough seas up to 4 meters. (ECHO, 29 Dec 2019)

Tropical Cyclone Sarai has been tracking through the provinces of Kadavu and Lau in Fiji as a Category 2 storm since Friday 27th December 2019. As of 30 December, Sarai is projected to move into Ha’apai, Tonga, on the first of January and track towards Niue as a Category 1 storm. In Fiji, about 2,000 people took shelter in about 70 evacuation centres. (OCHA, 31 Dec 2019)

Tropical Cyclone Sarai has gradually weakened and downgraded to a category 1 system. TC Sarai continues to move further away to the far southeast of Fiji. However, a Strong Wind Warning remains in force for land areas of Komo, Kabara, Namuka-iLau, Ogea, Fulaga, Lakeba, Oneata and Moce. (Govt. of Fiji, 31 Dec 2019)