Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warnings remain as TD05F moves towards Southwest of Fiji

As Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warnings continue to be in force for the whole of Fiji Group, Tropical Depression 05F is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone due to an unfavourable environment.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu, Northern Bua, Macuata Province and nearby smaller islands.

Strong Northwesterly winds with an average speed of 45km per hour and gusts of up to 55km per hour are expected over the warning areas from today.

The Nadi Weather Office says TD05F and the associated active trough of low pressure is expected to bring occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times and a few thunderstorms over most parts of Fiji Group today and overnight.

Sunny breaks are also expected between rain bands.

The unsettled weather may continue to affect Fiji over the next few days.

TD05F was located about 380km Southwest of Viwa or 390km West-southwest of Nadi at 12pm today and it is moving in an East-southeast direction towards the Southwest of Fiji Group.

The system is anticipated to become slow-moving over the Fiji waters and pass close to the West before curving North.

For mariners and seafarers, expect rough to very rough seas over Yasawa and Mamanuca waters, Vatu-i-Ra passage and Northern Vanua Levu with 35 to 55km per hour winds from today.

The rest of the Fiji waters are expected to have moderate to rough seas with 27 to 35km per hour winds.