03 Feb 2022 | 03:07 PM UTC
Fiji: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Feb. 7 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across Fiji through at least Feb. 7. Flooding and transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall and possible flooding are forecast across Fiji through at least Feb. 7. A low-pressure system is currently bringing heavy rainfall across the island group as of early Feb. 4 and the adverse weather is expected to be prolonged by another weather system moving over the islands from Feb. 6.
As of early Feb. 4, the Fiji Meteorological Service has issued the following warnings and alerts across the country:
Heavy rain warning: Northern Division, northern Viti Levu, Yasawa, and Mamanuca Group.
Flood warning: low-lying areas adjacent to and downstream of the Tuva River from Emuri to Semo village on Viti Levu Island.
Flash flood warning: for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of northern Viti Levu and southern, northeastern, and northwestern Vanua Levu.
Heavy rain alert: western and eastern interior of Viti Levu, western, eastern, and southern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti Group, and Kadavu.
Flash Flood Alert: for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of the country not under flash flood warnings.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
