Fiji, Tonga – Tropical Cyclone Josie (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, RSMC, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 3 April 2018)

Tropical Cyclone JOSIE formed on 31 March close to Fiji and started moving south-east, strengthening. On 3 April at 0.00 UTC, its centre was located 570 km south-west of Tongatapu island (Tonga) and its maximum sustained winds reached 74 km/h.

Over the next 24 hours, it is forecast to continue heading south-east over the South-West Pacific Ocean, away from land and weakening. Heavy rain with local thunderstorms may continue to affect Fiji and Tonga over 3-4 April.

Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain warning for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group. A heavy rain alert remains in force for the rest of Fiji. In addition, a flood alert has been issued for low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to the downstream of Dreketilailai station to Qawa river.

Media reported, as of 3 April, that four people have been killed in Viti Levu Island (Fiji) and 1 800 people were evacuated to 35 centres, mostly in the Western Division.