The Fiji Meteorological Service has reported that Tropical Depression TD03F is moving east-southeast towards the northern regions of Fiji. This system is expected to bring rain and strong winds across the country until later Thursday.
In their statement, Fiji Met highlighted that an active trough of low pressure associated with TD03F is causing overcast conditions and intermittent rainfall. The persistent heavy rain raises concerns about flash flooding, particularly since the soil is already saturated due to ongoing wet weather.
TD03F is predicted to pass through the northern sections of Fiji tonight and will weaken over the Lau Group on Thursday. Rainfall is expected to continue across the country until Thursday, after which conditions should gradually improve, starting from the west.
The Met Service alerted that the ongoing rain heightens the risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially downstream of major rivers and near smaller streams. The forecast also anticipates strong northerly winds, averaging 50 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour, particularly affecting the northern parts of Vanua Levu, the Yasawas, and Mamanuca Groups, as well as northern Lau from later today through Thursday.
This weather event serves as a reminder of the potential impacts of tropical systems in the region and underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in communities prone to flooding.