Heavy rain, high winds supplied by brewing cyclone to thrash Fiji this weekend

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

Updated Dec. 25, 2019 6:34 AM

A strengthening tropical depression in the Pacific Ocean could become the basin's next named tropical cyclone as it tracks toward Fiji this week. If named, the storm would be called Sarai.

The swirl of showers and thunderstorms was becoming better organized early Wednesday morning, local time, before being classified as a tropical depression later in the day. AccuWeather meteorologists say it may only be a matter of time before a recognized cyclone forms.

"A tropical depression north-northwest of Fiji will continue to strengthen and will likely become Tropical Cyclone Sarai on Thursday, local time," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

"The depression will track generally toward the south over the next few days and will likely pass near or over Fiji at the end of the week."

With the depression located in an area of warm water and low wind shear, these favorable factors are expected to contribute to intensification.

A track just west of Fiji would keep the worst of the storm's rain and wind offshore. More severe impacts, including a heightened risk of damaging winds, would occur should the brewing tropical cyclone track directly over the country.

In either scenario, heavy rain and gusty winds are likely across a portion of Fiji.

"Heavy rainfall of 3-6 inches (75-150 mm) with an AccuWeather Local Storm Max™ of 9 inches (225 mm) will be possible from Thursday night into Saturday," Nicholls said. "Wind gusts of 50-70 mph (80-110 km/h) can also occur."

Rainfall amounts of this magnitude can trigger flash flooding and mudslides. Higher gusts are possible depending on the exact strength and track of the storm.

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Prior to rain and wind increasing, rough surf and seas will also be hazards to bathers and anyone with marine interests across the region into the weekend.

All interests in the area should keep a close eye on this tropical threat in the days ahead.

"Beyond Fiji, the storm will turn southeast into the open South Pacific and should pose no threat to Australia or New Zealand," Nicholls said.

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