Attachments
Provide any updates in the situation since the field report and explain what is expected to happen.
A low-pressure formed north of the Solomon Islands on Friday, 10 November 2023. This weather system developed into tropical disturbance TD02F on Saturday, 11 November 2023, and moved slowly to the east of the Solomon Islands. It is likely to intensify into a Category 3 tropical cyclone by Tuesday, 14 November 2023, or early Wednesday, 15 November 2023. Fiji Met Oce released a tropical cyclone alert on 12 November 2023, informing the projected path expected to approach the Fiji Group from later on Tuesday and continue its journey through the country on 15 November 2023. While the current projected path is over Viti Levu, there is signicant uncertainty at present as the system has not yet fully developed. It may become much clearer when the system becomes a tropical cyclone.
Given this new development, the whole Fiji Group is advised to be on alert for a possible tropical cyclone. Gale to storm force winds is likely over the country from later Tuesday into Wednesday, 14-15 November 2023. These winds can break tree branches, blow unsecured and loose materials, disrupt communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines, damage temporary and weak structures, increase the risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts, and increase the risk for hazardous breaking waves and coastal inundation of debris along low lying coastal areas, especially during high tides.
There is also the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including ash flooding. Meanwhile, a Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Northern Division, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups, while a Heavy Rain Alert is in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu. This is due to a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain, which remains slow-moving just to the north of Fiji. It is expected to drift south and aect the northern and eastern parts of the group.
The cyclone may have begun to impact the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups from the morning of 14 November and is expected to start aecting Viti Levu later in the afternoon. Most of the destructive winds are expected overnight on Tuesday and into the early morning of Wednesday, 15 November 2023.
The following risks are expected, especially for areas under heavy rain warning:
• Localised flooding of low-lying and ood-prone areas.
• Coastal inundation and hazardous breaking waves.
• Disruption to communication networks and power supply.
• Damage to temporary and weak structures.
• Localised flooding of minor roads, Iris crossings (pedestrian pathways or crossings), and bridges with some disruption to trac flow.
• Poor visibility at sea and on land with an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads.
A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji Waters. Southeasterly winds with speeds up to 37 to 56 kph, along with rough to very rough seas, are expected over Fiji Waters. Winds are expected to increase to 65 kph, with gusts up to 93 kph, and become clockwise later on Tuesday, 14 November 2023. Seas are also likely to become very rough with high waves. Over open waters, sea conditions are potentially hazardous for small crafts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
The Fiji Meteorological Oce released a warning to the whole Fiji Group on Sunday, 12 November 2023, to be on alert for a possible tropical cyclone. The Fiji National Disaster Management Oce released public advisory on Saturday and Sunday, 11-12 November 2023, urging vigilance and advising households to start implementing preparedness measures, including securing homes and assets from strong winds.
The Government announced the closing of schools on 14-15 Nov 2023, and instructed all non-essential civil servants to work from home starting 14 November, and the decision will be reviewed daily