Public advisory 13 - TC Tomas

A hurricane warning is now in force for Cikobia, eastern tip of Vanua Levu, Rabi, Kioa, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala, Naitauba, Tacata, Kanacea, Mago, Cicia, Batiki, Moala, Matuku, Totoya, and nearby smaller islands with destructive hurricane force wind with average speed of 175km/hr and momentary gusts to 230km/hr.

A storm warning  is now in force for the eastern half of Vanua Levu,  Koro, Wakaya, Makogai, Gau, Vanuabalavu,  Nayau, Lakeba, Kabara and nearby smaller islands with destructive storm force wind average wind speed of 90km/hr and momentary gusts to 130km/hr.

A gale warning  is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu, Beqa, Kadavu and the rest of the Lau and Lomaiviti groups rest of Fiji with average wind speed of 75km/hr and momentary gusts to 110km/hr.

As at 8.30am today (Monday 15th March), TC TOMAS [930HPA] [Cat 4] was located  near 16 decimal 3 south 179 decimal 5 west or about 125 km east of Labasa or about 300km northeast of Suva. Close to its centre the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 150 km/hr increasing to 175km/hr with momentary gusts up to 200km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours. The cyclone is intensifying and moving south at 10km/hr.

On this forecast track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 210km east- northeast of Suva or 120km north-northwest of Lakeba at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday 16th March) and about 150km southwest of Lakeba or 260km east-southeast of Suva at 9pm tomorrow (Tuesday 16th March) evening.

Flooding to low lying areas is anticipated due to associated heavy rain, including sea flooding of low lying coastal areas from storm surges.

For mariners, expect hurricane force winds and phenomenal seas.

People living in areas identified within the path of cyclone must take precautionary measures immediately.

• The Public is advised to continue listening to the radio for further information regarding the cyclone's movement.·   Evacuate now if you expect to be affected by the cyclone. DISMAC will not endanger emergency personnel due to the negligence of the public.
• Mariners are advised to NOT go out to sea during this period of bad weather.
• Water collected from untreated sources must be boiled to rid pollution as a result of heavy rain brought about by the cyclone.
• Conserve water as there may some water supply disruptions. 
• All people living in low lying areas in the northern and eastern division MUST move to higher ground due to the high possibility of flooding.·   
• Do not start clearing debris until all clear is given.
• The National Emergency Operation Center can be contacted by telephone at 3319250 or fax at 3319315.
• Divisional Emergency Operation Centers can be contacted through the following telephone numbers:-      
  • Northern, Labasa – 8813222 or 8815059
  • Western, Lautoka – 6664946
  • Central, Nausori – 3477000
  • Eastern, Suva – 3610016 or 3680030      
• CURFEW is now imposed for all areas in the central, eastern and northern divisions.