Weather Information for FIHTA Members
Issued 5am Monday 15 March 2010
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING A HURRICANE WARNING IS NOW IN FORCE FOR CIKOBIA, EASTERN HALF OF
VANUA LEVU, TAVEUNI, RABI, KIOA AND NEARBY SMALLER ISLANDS.
A STORM WARNING IS IN FORCE FOR THE REST OF VANUA LEVU, YACATA, KORO
AND NEARBY SMALLER ISLANDS.
A GALE WARNING IS NOW IN FORCE FOR THE REST OF THE FIJI GROUP.
At 4am this morning Severe Tropical Cyclone Tomas was located around 200km NorthNortheast of Labasa or about 400km northeast of Suva near 14.8S 179.8W. TC Tomas
has a well defined eye this morning and has intensified further over the past 12 hours.
The eye has reduced in size overnight indicating that the momentum around the axis of
circulation has increased which is consistent with intensification of wind speed near the
centre.
Near its centre the cyclone has very destructive hurricane force winds gusting up to
210kmph. Destructive hurricane force winds extend about 60km from the centre while
Gales extend 240km from the centre and now affect Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby
islands in the northern Lau group.
Cyclone Tomas has maintained its speed overnight as it chugs steadily south-southwest
towards Fiji and based on recent movement - and expected movement in the next 12
hours - landfall is now expected just west of the eastern tip of Vanua Levu (Udu Point)
sometime around 9pm to midnight tonight. The US Military (JTWC) keep the centre of
the cyclone east of the 180 Meridian passing the centre of the storm directly over Laucala
Island and Qamea before moving over Taveuni then into the Koro Sea between Lau and
Lomaiviti. The Weather office in Nadi continues with the forecast scenario of recent days
keeping the track just west of the 180 meridian closer to the Viti Levu coast passing
through central Lomaiviti tomorrow. This appears to be the more likely outcome based
on the available computer model guidance. Both tracks are appended.
Winds increasing today from the southeast over Fiji gale force over the east and the north
this morning with gales extending to the south and the west by this evening. During the
day winds will steadily increase over the northeast to storm force (gusting 130kmph) by
noon then up to hurricane force (gusting 180kmph) after 5 or 6 pm as the centre of the
cyclone nears the coast. As the centre of the storm arrives winds will peak, gusting up to
260kmph.
A feeder band passed across Fiji overnight bringing more periods of heavy rain with
some local flash flooding. Rain continuing heavy at times today with very heavy falls and
flash flooding over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and larger islands of the Lau group today. River
flooding over Vanua Levu especially the Labasa River later this evening.
Storm surge will be up to 3 or 4 metres above normal tidal levels this evening around
coastal areas facing the north in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands.
The cyclone will pass over eastern Vanua Levu and Somosomo strait tonight then move
into the Koro Sea and is forecast to lie about 30km east of Gau or about 150km east of
Suva around 6pm Tuesday evening. Expect very destructive hurricane force winds over
northern and eastern parts of Fiji from tonight. People in this area need to protect
themselves as best they can. Expect loss of power and water as the eye approaches. Have
a radio and batteries and listen for local advice. Cell phones may fail if transmitting
towers are damaged or lose electricity. Have emergency water and food on standby.
Listen to DISMAC Advisories and heed local warnings from emergency services
personnel.
For Suva and environs - SE winds strong and gusty this morning increasing to gale force
by midday with gusts up to 85kmph, a little stronger along the higher ridges inland. By
evening winds will increase further with gusts up to 100kmph. Tomorrow morning winds
will turn more southerly as the centre of the cyclone moves over the Koro Sea and by
tomorrow (Tuesday) evening expect south to southwest winds peaking at storm force
with gusts up to 150kmph. Periods of rain increasing today. Heavy falls and flash
flooding from later today. Rewa River likely to reach flood level later tomorrow. Sea
inundation likely along the Tailevu coast and around nearby islands Tuesday night at
high tide. Heavy swells along the coast areas around to the Serua coast including Beqa.
For the west - SE winds fresh to strong and gusty today with gusts to 65kmph by this
afternoon. Tomorrow morning winds will turn more southerly as the centre of the cyclone
moves over the Koro Sea and by tomorrow (Tuesday) evening expect south to southwest
winds peaking at gale force with gusts up to 100kmph. Periods of rain increasing today.
Heavy falls and flash flooding from this evening. Possible river flooding for the Sigatoka
and Ba rivers. Heavy swells along the Coral coast.