According to the latest storm information from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JWTC), on the afternoon of December 15 (local time), tropical depression 08P has officially strengthened into a tropical storm.
The center of the storm is located 417 km northeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu. In the past 6 hours, the storm has moved southeast at a speed of 13 km/h. The maximum wave height is 4.6 m.
The strongest wind near the center of the storm reached 75 km/h. The storm continues to move slowly to the South-South, then tends more to the East, approaching the North of the island nation of Fiji. The storm is expected to continue to strengthen in the next 48 hours.
According to the storm report from the Fiji Times, the local meteorological agency forecasts that the tropical depression will soon strengthen into a storm and enter the Fiji Sea Area on Tuesday (16.12) and pass through the Lau Islands by the end of Wednesday (17.12).
Due to the impact of the storm, many areas in Fiji are experiencing heavy rain.
The Fiji Meteorological Agency said that rainfall measured in many areas across the country in the past 24 hours has exceeded 100 mm.
Rainfall recorded from 3am on December 14 to 3am on December 15 showed Penang (Rakiraki) reaching 132.5mm, Nadarivatu 111.0mm and Dobuilevu (Rakiraki) 101.0mm.
Other areas with notable heavy rainfall included Rarawai with 98.5 mm, vunisea 99.5 mm and Nagado 97.5 mm.
Meanwhile, the agency forecasts that the storm, accompanied by clouds and rain, will continue to affect the Fiji Islands. Scattered rain, sometimes heavy rain, accompanied by a few thunderstorms in most areas.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to be cautious about natural disaster risks, especially in areas prone to flooding, as heavy rain continues.
Tourists planning to visit the Philippines during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts. Check flight schedules and follow local instructions to ensure safety.
