29 Nov 2010

Fiji faces possible cyclone

5:59 am on 29 November 2010

Forecasters says a tropical depression near Fiji could turn into a cyclone.

A gale warning is curently in force in Fiji for Yasawa, Mamanuca groups, Western half of Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the rest of Fiji and a strong wind warning remains in force for the Fiji group.

A tropical depression is currently moving East South East at 20km per hour and is expected to intensify further and possibly turn into a Tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

Nadi Weather officer Tropical cyclone forecaster, Misaele Funaki says close to its center the depression is estimated to have winds with average speeds up to 55km per hour with momentary gusts to 90 km per hour.