WHAT IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE???
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low-pressure center surrounded by a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain.
Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air.
They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor'easters, European windstorms, and polar lows.
The characteristic that separates tropical cyclones from other cyclonic systems is that at any height in the atmosphere, the center of a tropical cyclone will be warmer than its surroundings; a phenomenon called "warm core" storm systems.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING FOR FIJI?
When there is a tropical cyclone threat to Fiji, the Nadi Tropical Cyclone warning centre will be activated.
The centre will then start issuing Special Weather Bulletins containing TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERTS or TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNINGS, as appropriate.
The Nadi TCWC operates within the Weather Forecasting Division of the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) and can be accessed 24 hours a day as follows:
Telephone: 6724888 (Switchboard) or 6736005, 6736006, 6736007 (Direct)
(Calls must be kept short).
Facsimile: 6720190 / 6720636 / 6720645
Weather Fax: 6721227 (Polling fax)
FMS Website: www.met.gov.fj
PUBLIC ADVISORY/ALERTS ON TROPICAL CYCLONE
Tropical Cyclone Alert Bulletin
A SWB containing a TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT will give progress information on the development of an incipient cyclone or the progress of a cyclone still some distance away, if there is significant probability that winds over one or more parts of Fiji may later reach gale force or stronger. Alerts bulletins will be started, where possible, about 48 hours before the likely onset of gales or stronger winds, and maintained until such time specific warnings become necessary, or the threat to Fiji recedes.
Bulletins containing TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERTS will be issued at least every six hours , preferably at regular bulletin times.
Tropical Cyclone Category
A Tropical Cyclone will be categorised as per the Australian and South Pacific Category System as follows:
Category
10-Minute Mean Wind
Maximum 3-Second Gust
Typical Effects
1 (Tropical Cyclone)
63 – 87 km/hr (34 – 47 knots)
Less than 125 km/hr (Damaging Winds)
Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops, trees.
2 (Tropical Cyclone)
88 – 117 km/hr (48 – 63 knots)
125-169 km/hr (Destructive Winds)
Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break moorings.
3 (Severe Tropical Cyclone)
118 – 157 km/hr (64 – 85 knots)
170-224 km/hr (Very Destructive Winds)
Some roof and structural damage.. Power failure likely.
4 (Severe Tropical Cyclone)
159 – 200 km/hr (86 – 110 knots)
225-279 km/hr (Very Destructive Winds)
Significant roofing loss and structural damages. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.
5 (Severe Tropical Cyclone)
Over 200 km/hr) (Over 110 knots)
Over 280 km/hr (Very Destructive Winds)
Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.
MEASURES TO PREPARE FOR A CYCLONE
- Prepare the safest room in the home as a "bunker"; this will be the bathroom or toilet in most modern homes.
- In it, put your mattresses, food, water and raincoats.
- Turn off the electricity, gas and water supply and unplug appliances.
- Fill bottles, buckets and the bath with water in case the water supply becomes restricted.
- Crisscross windows with strong packing tape to prevent them from shattering.
- Your evacuation kit should have fresh batteries for radios and torches, a first aid kit, sturdy gloves, waterproof bags, candles and matches.
- Baby formula, medications, photographs, warm clothes, nappies, important papers, mementos, pillows, sleeping bags and waterproof plastic bags should be included if possible.
- Ensure everyone in the family has shoes on, as footwear can be lost in the storm.
- During the storm, shelter in the prepared room and do not move for any reason, even if the roof blows off.
- Closing internal doors in your home can strengthen the building, and windows on the side opposite to where the wind is striking can be opened to relieve pressure.
- The "eye" of the cyclone is a calm that could last for up to an hour, but do not go outside during that time as the winds will return to their worst afterwards.
- When you are sure the cyclone has passed, listen to the radio for information before leaving your home as there may be dangerous water or debris around your home.
- Be aware of fallen power lines and avoid touching them
- Keep children away from flood waters and safe until the threat has passed
- Wait before it is safe to leave your home.