MEDIA RELEASE No.8
4pm Friday 19
th February 2016
SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE – WINSTON (CAT4)
A Storm Warning is now in force for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Nayau,
Ogea and Vanuavatu.
A Gale Warning remains in force of the rest of the Lau group.
A Tropical Cyclone Alert remains in force for Lomaiviti group, Taveuni, Eastern half of
Viti-Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A Strong wind warning remains in force for Lomaiviti group, Taveuni, Eastern half of
Viti-Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A Damaging Heavy Swell Warning remains in force for low lying coastal areas of Lau
and Lomaiviti group, Taveuni, Eastern half of Viti-Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller
islands.
At midday today, Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (937hPa) Category 4 was located near
17.3 degree South latitude and 174.4 degree West longitude or about 570km northeast of
Ono-i-Lau and about 450km east of Lakeba. It is currently moving west at 16km/hr (about
8knots). Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 195 km/hr
(about 105 knots) with momentary gusts up to 275 km/hr (about 148 knots).
On its projected path, Severe TC Winston is expected to maintain its Category 4 intensity as
it continues to move westward, closer to Fiji. It is anticipated to lie about 70km east of
Lakeba or about 270km north-northeast of Ono-i-Lau at midday tomorrow and about 70km
south-southeast of Suva or about 60km northeast of Kadavu at midday on Sunday.
Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes over head or
nearby.
For Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Nayau, Ogea and Vanuavatu: Damaging
gale force with average speed of 75km/hr and momentary gust to 100km/hr from tonight.
Winds increasing further to 95 km/hr and momentary gusts to 130km/hr from tomorrow
morning. Occasional rain and squally thunderstorms, becoming frequent and heavy from
tonight. Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying areas.
For the rest of the Lau group: Damaging gale force winds with average speeds of 75km/hr
and momentary gusts to 100km/hr from tomorrow morning. Occasional rain and squally
thunderstorms, becoming frequent and heavy from tonight. Damaging heavy swells with sea
flooding of low lying coastal areas.
For Lomaiviti group, Taveuni, Eastern half of Viti-Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller
islands: Fresh to strong southeast winds with average speed of 55km/hr and momentary gusts
of 80km/hr. Winds further increasing to damaging gale force or stronger by midday
tomorrow. Showers increasing to rain, becoming frequent and heavy from tomorrow
morning. Isolated thunderstorms expected. Flooding including sea flooding of coastal areas.
For the rest of Fiji: Moderate southeast winds, fresh and gusty at times. Winds increasing to
strong with average speeds of 55km/hr and momentary gusts of 80km/hr tomorrow morning.
Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms. Showers increasing to rain, becoming
frequent and heavy from tomorrow morning. Flooding including sea flooding of coastal
areas.
The following information is especially for the Mariners:
Lau Waters: winds increasing further to destructive storm force with average speeds of 55
knots with gusts to 80 knots from tomorrow. Very high seas. Damaging heavy swells.
For Koro Sea and Kadavu passage: Winds increasing to 40 knots and gusts up to 55 knots
from tomorrow. High seas and damaging heavy swells.
For the rest of Fiji waters: Southeast winds 15 to 20 knots, increasing to 25 knots with
momentary gusts of 35 knots from tonight. Moderate to rough seas with moderate to heavy
southeast swells.
For Rotuma: A south to southwest wind flow prevail over Rotuma.
Cloudy periods with brief showers. Moderate south to southwest winds. Moderate seas
