Warning for Cikobia Island

[Stacey King]

Monday, March 15, 2010

A Hurricane Warning is now in force for Cikobia Island with average wind speed of 185km/hr and momentary gusts to 230km/hr.

A Storm Warning is now in force for eastern half of Vanua Levu, Rabi, Kioa and nearby smaller islands with average wind speed of 90km/hr and momentary gusts to 130km/hr.

A Gale Warning is now in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala, Eastern coast of Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Northern Lau and nearby smaller islands with average wind speed of 75km/hr and momentary gusts to 110km/hr.

A Tropical Cyclone ALERT is in force for the rest of Fiji with wind speed of 60km/hr and momentary gusts to 110km/hr.

As at 9.00pm tonight, TC TOMAS [970HPA] [Cat 3] was located near 14 decimal 1 south 179 decimal 6 west or about 290 km North-Northeast of Labasa or about 495km north northeast of Suva.

Close to its centre the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 140 km/hr increasing to 165km/hr with momentary gusts up to 230km/hr in the next 12 to 24hours.

The Cyclone is intensifying and moving south southwest at 10km/hr. On this forecast track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 190km north northeast of Labasa or 400km north northeast of Suva at 12 mid day today and about 105km north northeast of Labasa or 315km north northeast of Suva at 12 midnight tonight.

Flooding to low lying areas is anticipated due to associated heavy rain, including sea flooding of low lying coastal areas from storm surges.

For mariners, expect hurricane force winds and phenomenal seas.

People living in areas identified within the path of cyclone must take precautionary measures immediately.


Fiji Broadcasting Corporation