Tag Archives: Suva

Tropical Cyclone Mal Moves South of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Mal moved south of Fiji during Tuesday night. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mal was located at latitude 23.2°S and longitude 179.0°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south of Suva, Fiji. Mal was moving toward the south-southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Strong vertical wind shear and cooler Sea Surface Temperatures caused the structure of Tropical Cyclone Mal to start to change during Tuesday night. An eye was not longer present at the center of Mal’s circulation. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Cyclone Mal. Bands in the other parts of Mal’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Cyclone Mal was in the process of making a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mal increased when it started to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Mal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mal.

Tropical Cyclone Mal will move into an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours. Mal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the Coral Sea. The upper level trough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mal’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The combination of cooler water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Mal to weaken during the next 36 hours. Mal will continue to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the Coral Sea will steer Tropical Cyclone Mal toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mal will continue to move farther away from Fiji.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin Passes South of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Kevin passed south of Fiji on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located at latitude 25.1°S and longitude 178.6°E which put it about 450 miles (720 km) south of Suva, Fiji. Kevin was moving toward the east-southeast at 26 m.p.h. (43 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin started to weaken as it passed south of Fiji on Saturday. An upper level trough east of Australia was producing northwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Kevin’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing Kevin to weaken. A large circular eye with a diameter of 50 miles (80 km) was at the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. The vertical wind shear also caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Kevin to become asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. Bands in the northern half of Kevin consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The size of Tropical Cyclone Kevin’s circulation increased on Saturday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Kevin was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 20.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.5.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move through an environment that is unfavorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Kevin will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kevin’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear during the next 48 hours. The strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Levin to weaken. Kevin will move over colder water during the next few days. A combination of strong vertical wind shear and colder water will cause Tropical Cyclone Kevin to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Kevin toward the east-southeast during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass South of Tonga on Sunday.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin Strengthens to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Kevin strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Coral Sea west of Vanuatu on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 166.1°E which put it about 195 miles (310 km) west-northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Kevin was moving toward the southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin strengthened west of Vanuatu on Thursday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Kevin’s circulation. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) formed at the center of circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the the northern side of Kevin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Kevin will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the eastern Coral Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will intensify the next 24 hours. Kevin could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

An upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Kevin toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass west of Espiritu Santo and Malekula during the next few hours. Kevin will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Espiritu Santo and Malekula. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. The center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass near Port Vila, Vanuatu in 12 hours. Kevin will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Port Vila and Efate. Port Vila and Efate were just hit by Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will hinder efforts to recover from Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will bring wind and rain to Erromango, Tanna and Aneityum on Friday.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Judy was passing south-southwest of Fiji. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 25.4°S and longitude 177.3°E which put it about 495 miles (795 km) south-southwest of Suva, Fiji. Judy was moving toward the east-southeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Makes Landfall near Port Roper

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany made landfall near Port Roper, Australia on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 134.7°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) west of Port Roper, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany made landfall near Port Roper on the west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday night. Tiffany was the equivalent of a strong tropical storm at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were dropping heavy rain over the region west of Port Roper. A Flood Watch was in effect for many of the rivers in the area.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move across the northern part of the Northern Territory. The center of Tiffany will pass near Ngukurr, Mataranka, Barunga and Katherine. Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland, but it will continue to drop heavy rain over the northern part of the Northern Territory. Locally heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some location.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was moving farther southwest of Fiji. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 23.1°S and longitude 174.1°E which put it about 435 miles (705 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the south at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Strengthens over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany strengthened over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 15.2°S and longitude 137.4°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Groote Eylandt, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to the border with Queensland. The Warning included Groote Eylandt, Port Roper and Port McArthur.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany exhibited greater organization as it strengthened on Tuesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of circulation and a partial eyewall appeared to be developing. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tiffany’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tiffany.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Tiffany will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over eastern Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tiffany’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. However, Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will intensify over the warm water in the Gulf of Carpentaria during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward west. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will pass south of Groote Eylandt during the next few hours. Tiffany will make landfall on the coast of the Northern Territory near Port Roper in about 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the eastern part of the Northern Territory. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches have been issued for rivers in the eastern part of the Northern Territory.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was continued to churn southwest of Fiji. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 21.5°S and longitude 173.5°E which put it about 390 miles (625 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the south-southeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Crosses Cape York Peninsula

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany crossed the Cape York Peninsula on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 140.9°E which put it about 55 miles (90 km) west of Pormpuraaw, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A Warning was in effect for Groote Eylandt. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to the border with Queensland. The Watch included Numbalwar, Port Roper and Port McArthur.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany emerged over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria near Pormpuraaw on Monday after it moved westward across the Cape York Peninsula. New thunderstorms were forming in bands in the western and northern parts of Tiffany’s circulation. Bands in the eastern and southern parts of the circulation were still over land and those bands contained fewer thunderstorms. The strongest winds were occurring in the bands over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Tiffany will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over eastern Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tiffany’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. However, Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will intensify over the warm water in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Tiffany could intensify rapidly once more of the circulation moves over water and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Tiffany could approach Groote Eylandt in 24 hours. Tiffany could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches Groote Eylandt.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was continued to meander southwest of Fiji. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 20.9°S and longitude 174.1°E which put it about 330 miles (535 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bina Develops Northwest of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Bina developed northwest of Fiji on Sunday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bina was located at latitude 14.0°S and longitude 175.7°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) northwest of Labasa, Fiji. Bina was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

As Tropical Cyclone Ana was moving away from Fiji, Tropical Cyclone Bina developed northwest of that nation. A low pressure system northwest of Fiji strengthened on Sunday and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Bina. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Bina. Those storms generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bina was small. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Bina.

Tropical Cyclone Bina will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds which blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Bina will likely maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Bina toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Bina could reach Vanua Levu within 18 hours. Tropical Cyclone Bina will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Fiji during the next 36 hours. The stormy conditions will make efforts on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu to recover from Tropical Cyclone Ana more difficult. Heavy rain could make floods caused by Ana to become worse.

Elsewhere over the Southwest Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ana was moving away from Fiji and Tropical Cyclone Lucas was strengthening over the Coral Sea. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana was located at latitude 19.9°S and longitude 179.7°E which put it about 105 miles (17 km) south of Suva, Fiji. Ana was moving toward the south-southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lucas was located at latitude 13.2°S and longitude 156.0°E which put it about 870 miles (1405 km) west-northwest of New Caledonia. Lucas was moving toward the east at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb. Tropical Cyclone Lucas is forecast to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. It could affect New Caledonia and Vanuatu in a few days.

Tropical Cyclone Ana Brings Wind and Rain to Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Ana brought wind and rain to Fiji on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 178.3°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) north-northwest of Suva, Fiji. Ana was moving toward the southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 974 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Ana made landfall on the north coast of Viti Levu near Rakiraki on Saturday afternoon. Ana had strengthened to nearly the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon by the time it made landfall. Radar images from the Fiji Meteorological Service indicated that an eye was beginning to form at the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana before it made landfall. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the forming eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Ana. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Ana was producing winds to tropical storm force on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Heavy rain was also falling on those islands and flash floods could occur. Gusty winds and heavy rain will spread over Kadavu on Sunday.

An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds which will steer Tropical Cyclone Ana toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On it anticipated track the center of Ana will cross eastern Viti Levu during the next 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Ana will pass near Kadavu on Sunday. Ana is expected to pass west of Tonga early next week.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai Brings Wind and Rain to Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Sarai brought wind and rain to Fiji in Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sarai was located at latitude 19.3°S and longitude 177.0°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of Kadavu, Fiji.  Sarai was moving toward the southeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Sarai passed west of Nadi, Fiji on Friday, but rainbands in the eastern side of the circulation produced gusty winds and heavy rain.  A surface weather station in Nadi measured a sustained wind speed of 44 m.p.h. (70 km/h) and wind gusts of 67 m.p.h. (107 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Sarai continued to intensify on Friday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped much of the way around the center of circulation.  The rainband had not wrapped entirely around the northwestern part of the center,  A clear area at the center began to appear on satellite images, which could be evidence of formation of an eye.  Storms around the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the east of the tropical cyclone.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Sarai was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Sarai.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai will move through an environment favorable for intensification for another 24 to 36 hours.  Sarai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move south of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce westerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but it will not be strong enough to keep Tropical Cyclone Sarai from strengthening into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Sarai toward the east.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Sarai will pass south of Suva, Fiji.  The core of Sarai will pass near Kadavu, Fiji in about 12 to 18 hours.  Tropical Cyclone Sarai will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Kadavu.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai Forms Northwest of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Sarai formed northwest of Fiji on Thursday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sarai was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 175.8°E which put it about 220 miles (355 km) north-northwest of Nadi, Fiji.  Sarai was moving toward the south at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system northwest of Fiji exhibited greater organization on Thursday and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Sarai.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Sarai was still organizing.  A band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the southern and western sides of the center of circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were developing and the bands were starting to revolve around the center.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Sarai was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  Sarai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce northerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  However, there will be northerly winds at most levels of the troposphere, which means that there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Sarai will intensify during the next 36 to 48 hours and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Sarai will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Sarai toward the south during the next 24 hours.  Tropical Cyclone Sarai will turn more toward the east in a day or so when it rounds the end of the ridge.  On its anticipated track the center of Sarai could approach western Fiji in 24 to 36 hours.