Residents urged to prepare as Tropical Cyclone Rae threatens Fiji

Residents in Fiji are urged to take precautions and implement measures to protect life and property as Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Rae approaches the country.

Sunday’s warning follows recent flooding in some areas as Tropical Cyclone Alfred develops off Queensland. Meteorologists are closely monitoring their paths.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a gale warning for the eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, including the eastern areas of Macuata, Cakaudrove, Lau, and Lomaiviti.

Farmers in these regions must act quickly to minimise crop and livestock damage.

“They should move their livestock to higher ground,” the meteorological service says.

The Pacific cyclone season runs from November to April. The last cyclone to impact Fiji was Yasa. The Category 5 storm hit the Pacific island nation in December 2020, striking Vanua Levu with winds of up to 250km/h and resulting in four fatalities.

As of late Sunday, Cyclone Rae was located 120km east-northeast of Cikobia Island.

A strong wind warning remains in effect for the rest of Vanua Levu and northeastern parts of Viti Levu. It covers areas from Tailevu North through Ra-Rakiraki to Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu, and nearby smaller islands.

A heavy rain warning is now in place for the Northern Division, Lau, and Lomaiviti groups, along with the interior and eastern parts of Viti Levu, the main island, stretching from Sigatoka through Navua to the capital Suva and Tailevu North. It is also applicable across the rest of Fiji.

Photo/Fiji Meteorological Service

“Expect strong southeasterly winds reaching up to 50km/h with gusts of 65km/h. These winds may increase to 65km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h.

“Occasional heavy rain and squally thunderstorms are expected, with rain becoming more frequent starting tonight [Sunday]. Rough to very rough seas and high swells are also anticipated.”

The warning follows heavy rain from a month ago that caused flooding in Fiji's western and southern parts.

Farmers have been advised to salvage crops from flood-prone areas, secure planting materials, and store them safely for use after the floodwaters recede.

Residents are cautioned to avoid culverts and other waterways affected by flooding and to keep family members and animals at a safe distance.

As Cyclone Alfred forms off Queensland, meteorologists are monitoring its potential path towards the coast.

The Category 1 storm formed around 4pm local time (7pm NZ time) on Sunday over the Coral Sea, 840km east-northeast of Cairns.

Initially named "Anthony," the weather bureau changed the name to avoid confusion with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as a federal election is scheduled in three months.

NIWA says neither system has a direct impact on New Zealand. However, a small but more extended period of swelling could arrive in Aotearoa later in the week.

In January, the Fiji Meteorological Service named Cyclone Pita as the first tropical cyclone of the season. The storm passed over Niue and the Cook Islands before being downgraded to a depression.

Heavy rains associated with Pita caused widespread flooding in Fiji and Sāmoa. In Fiji, flooding resulted in isolated damages, including the collapse of a bridge, although no fatalities were reported.