8 Jan 2009

Tropical depression moves away from Fiji

7:53 am on 8 January 2009

Strong winds and heavy rain with flash floods in low lying areas are expected throughout Fiji over the next few days.

Fiji Times online says the warning by the Weather Office was issued even though the tropical depression identified on Tuesday has moved away from the group.

Rajendra Prasad of the Weather office says the tropical depression that is expected to reach marginal tropical cyclone status moved to the northern part of Vanuatu.

Currently in its early stage as a tropical depression, Mr Prasad says the system was expected to continue eastwards before curving in a south-easterly direction.

Expected to deepen along its south-easterly path, he says it will strengthen into a marginal tropical cyclone status then into a deeper depression south or southwest of Fiji.