Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu - Tropical Cyclone KENI

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 06:37:00 +02:00

Tropical Cyclone KENI formed over the South West Pacific Ocean close to Vanuatu and started moving south-east on 8 April. On 9 April at 0.00 UTC, it had maximum sustained winds of 74 km/h (tropical storm).
Over the next 48 hours, it is forecast to strengthen and keep heading southeast, possibly passing south-west of Viti Levu Island (Fiji) on 10 April early morning UTC and south-west of Tonga in the evening. Heavy rain with local thunderstorms and strong winds may occur over several areas of Vanuatu and Fiji.
The Fiji Meteorological Service reports that a storm warning is in effect for the southwest of Viti Levu, Vatulele and Kadavu, and a gale warning is in force for the rest of Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Lomaiviti group, Moala, Totoya, Matuku and Ono-i-lau. A strong wind warning and a heavy rain warning remain in force for the whole Fiji as well as a flood warning is in effect for lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to the downstream in Viti Levu.
Local media reported, as of 9 April, that over 260 people have been evacuated in Yasawa and Koro Islands (Fiji). Nine evacuation centers remain open in Labasa city (Vanua Levu island, Fiji).