A tropical low near the Solomon Islands is expected to develop into a named tropical cyclone later this week and may bring severe impacts to Fiji.
In the short term, the low will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Solomon Islands and northern Vanuatu into the middle of the week.
Locations in Vanuatu to the north of Port Vila will be at greatest risk for downpours through Wednesday as the low slowly tracks by to the north.
In the Solomon Islands, locations from Honiara eastward will also be at risk for heavy rainfall and flash flooding during this time.
Rainfall amounts of 50-100 mm (2-4 inches) are expected along with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 200 mm (8 inches).
The weather is expected to improve across the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on Thursday.
Development into a named tropical cyclone is possible as early as Wednesday or Wednesday night as the storm tracks east of Vanuatu and approaches Fiji.
If a name is given to this potential tropical cyclone, it will be called Tino.
Satellite animation showing a large area of showers and thunderstorms affecting areas from the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu and Fiji.
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 rapidly strengthen 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 into Friday 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.
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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.
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