Another Cyclone forming Fiji - Gale warning for Western Division

[Stacey King]

FijiVillage.com Publish date/time: 28/11/2010 [13:10]

A gale warning is now in force for Yasawa Mamanuca groups, Western half of Vitilevu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands while a tropical cyclone warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A strong wind warning also remains in force for the Fiji group.

A tropical depression was located at 17 decimal 6 South 173 decimal 1 East or about 460km West of Nadi at 11am today.

The depression is currently moving East South East at 20km per hour and is expected to intensify further and possibly turn into a Tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

Nadi Weather officer Tropical cyclone forcaster, Misaele Funaki said close to its center the depression is estimated to have winds with average speeds up to 55km per hour with momentary gusts to 90 km per hour.

Damaging gale force winds with average speed of 65 to 75km per hour with momentary gusts to 110 km per hour within 110 to 280 km away from the center of the system in the sectors from South East to South West.

According to Funaki on this track and if the depression continues to intensify the center is expected to lie about 275km West of Nadi at 10pm today.

He said people should not be complacent and take their warnings seriously.

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Strong winds and possible flash flooding is expected to start affecting the Western division from this afternoon.

Rain and gale force winds is expected to start affecting the other parts of the group from later today with winds to increase further to damaging gale force this afternoon.

Story by: Roneel Lal & Ronal Deo