Forecasters monitoring new tropical threat emerging in the South Pacific
By
Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Jan 13, 2020 6:07 PM EST
A tropical low near the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu is expected to develop into a named tropical cyclone later this week and may bring severe impacts to Fiji.
In recent days, the low brought heavy rainfall to parts of the Solomon Islands and northern Vanuatu but will now track toward Fiji in the coming days.
Improved weather is expected across the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on Thursday while rainfall begins to increase around Fiji.
Development into a named tropical cyclone is possible as early as Thursday as the storm approaches Fiji.
If a name is given to this potential tropical cyclone, it will be called Tino.
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Satellite animation showing a strengthening tropical low near the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on Wednesday night, local time.
While there may be a few showers and thunderstorms across Fiji into Wednesday, the weather is forecast to worsen from Wednesday night into Thursday.
The potential exists for the tropical threat to strengthen rapidly as it approaches Fiji, and it could deliver a direct hit on several islands.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall will batter the islands from Thursday night into Friday night regardless of the storm's precise intensity as it takes a turn toward the southeast.
At this time, Vanua Levu and Taveuni Island are at greatest risk for the worst impacts from the potential tropical cyclone.
Wind gusts over 100 km/h (62 mph) will be possible and may result in tree damage and power cuts.
If the storm were to strengthen rapidly prior to reaching Fiji, more severe damage is possible.
Rainfall amounts of 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) are possible across these islands with 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) possible in Vanau Levu and the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands.
This rainfall will create a high risk for flooding and raise the risk for mudslides in areas of rugged terrain. Significant travel disruptions are possible.
Improved weather is forecast across Fiji this weekend as the storm tracks to the southeast away from the islands.
Rough seas and powerful winds will also be a concern for shipping interests as the storm passes through the region.
The southwest track of this storm will put Tonga at risk for impacts from Friday into Saturday. The exact track of the storm will determine if Tonga is battered by damaging winds and flooding or just a period of rain and gusty winds.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo
News / Hurricane
Forecasters monitoring new tropical threat emerging in the South Pacific
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Jan 13, 2020 6:07 PM EST
A tropical low near the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu is expected to develop into a named tropical cyclone later this week and may bring severe impacts to Fiji.
In recent days, the low brought heavy rainfall to parts of the Solomon Islands and northern Vanuatu but will now track toward Fiji in the coming days.
Improved weather is expected across the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on Thursday while rainfall begins to increase around Fiji.
Development into a named tropical cyclone is possible as early as Thursday as the storm approaches Fiji.
If a name is given to this potential tropical cyclone, it will be called Tino.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
Satellite animation showing a strengthening tropical low near the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on Wednesday night, local time.
While there may be a few showers and thunderstorms across Fiji into Wednesday, the weather is forecast to worsen from Wednesday night into Thursday.
The potential exists for the tropical threat to strengthen rapidly as it approaches Fiji, and it could deliver a direct hit on several islands.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall will batter the islands from Thursday night into Friday night regardless of the storm's precise intensity as it takes a turn toward the southeast.
At this time, Vanua Levu and Taveuni Island are at greatest risk for the worst impacts from the potential tropical cyclone.
Wind gusts over 100 km/h (62 mph) will be possible and may result in tree damage and power cuts.
If the storm were to strengthen rapidly prior to reaching Fiji, more severe damage is possible.
Rainfall amounts of 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) are possible across these islands with 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) possible in Vanau Levu and the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands.
This rainfall will create a high risk for flooding and raise the risk for mudslides in areas of rugged terrain. Significant travel disruptions are possible.
Improved weather is forecast across Fiji this weekend as the storm tracks to the southeast away from the islands.
Related:
Rough seas and powerful winds will also be a concern for shipping interests as the storm passes through the region.
The southwest track of this storm will put Tonga at risk for impacts from Friday into Saturday. The exact track of the storm will determine if Tonga is battered by damaging winds and flooding or just a period of rain and gusty winds.
Report a TypoKeep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.