Tropical cyclone in Fiji waters

Tropical Cyclone develops in Fiji waters

Radio NZ,

1 April, 2018

A Tropical Cyclone warning has been issued for the Fiji group, after a tropical depression developed into a cylone Saturday night

The Fiji Met Service says Tropical Cyclone Josie is moving 25 kph East-South East, away from the Fiji group.

It says the category one cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 75kph with momentary gusts upto to 100 kph.

A gale warning remains in force the Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti group, and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of the Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in Force for the whole of the Fiji group.

Tropical Cyclone Josie, centre 994hpa category 1, was located near 19.5 south 176.9 east or about 150 kilometres west-southwest of Kadavu and about 200 kilometres south-southwest of Nadi at 9am.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 90 kilometres southeast of Kadavu at 9pm and about 200 kilometres southeast of Kadavu at 9am tomorrow.

Damaging gale force winds are likely to begin a several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group expect damaging gale force winds with average speeds up to 75 km/hr and momentary gusts to 100 km/hr.

Rain, heavy at times and few squally thunderstorms, easing to occasional rain from later tonight.

High seas and damaging heavy swells.

Flooding including sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected. gale force winds easing to strong with average speed of 55km/hr with momentary gusts to 80km/hr from later today over Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti group.

Tropical Cyclone threat map for Tropical Cyclone JOSIE Category 1 Photo: Fiji Met Service