10 Apr 2018 | 03:20 AM UTC
Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Keni strengthens to Category 3 storm April 10 /update 3
Tropical Cyclone Keni strengthens to Category 3 storm April 10; high winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding forecast, and associated power and transportation disruptions expected
Event
As of Tuesday, April 10, Tropical Cyclone Keni has strengthened to a Category 3 storm (winds of 119-157 km/h [74-98 mph]). According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, at 13:40 (local time), Keni was packing maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph), was located approximately 85 km (53 mi) west of Kadavu and some 140 km (87 mi) south of Nadi, and was tracking east-southeast at approximately 32 km/h (20 mph). The worst of the storm is expected to hit the country between 15:00 and 18:00 on Tuesday, with winds gusting up to 185 km/h (115 mph); Kadavu, the Lau group, and Viti Levu are forecast to be among the areas most affected by the cyclone. Heavy rains, high winds, and coastal flooding are forecast to affect the abovementioned areas in the coming hours before the storm moves out of the region by Wednesday afternoon. Associated power outages and transportation disruptions are expected.
Heavy rains have already resulted in significant flooding across areas in the north and west of the country, forcing thousands to seek shelter in evacuation centers. The government has advised that those in low-lying areas seek emergency shelter, and has announced that all schools will be closed nationwide until at least Wednesday, April 11.
All flights have been canceled in and out of Fiji's two international airports, Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori International Airport (SUV) on Tuesday due to the passage of Tropical Cyclone Keni. Continued disruptions are to be expected in the coming days, as residual delays are likely even once conditions improve as airlines work to clear backlogs.
Context
Tropical Cyclone Keni comes only one week after the passage of Tropical Cyclone Josie (Category 1), which left six people dead in the island nation.
Advice
Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and weather alerts issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
