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Our 2022-2023 Cyclone Season in Fiji

Our 2022-2023 Cyclone Season in Fiji

We have just spent the 2022 2023 Cyclone season in Fiji at Malolo Island and the surrounding Mamanucas area and so that’s obviously the perfect kiting spot right when the when the trades are blowing in southeast.

More info here…

Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Outlook – 2024-25

Key Messages

  1. One to two tropical cyclones (TCs) are likely to pass through Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone during the 2024-25 TC season.
  2. Of these, one TC is likely to reach severe Category (Category 3-5).
  3. There is equal risk of TCs affecting any part of the Fiji Group.
  4. While the peak TC activities are usually from January to February, TCs can form at any time during the season. Out of season TCs cannot be ruled out.
  5. It does not take a direct hit or a severe TC to cause considerable damage or life-threatening weather. Tropical disturbances or depressions that do not attain TC intensity can and have previously caused strong winds/gusts, widespread heavy rainfall, landslides and flooding.
  6. All communities should remain alert and prepared throughout the TC season and take heed of all advisories whenever it is issued.

Figure 1: Total number of TCs forecasted for the Fiji region.

Figure 2. Number of severe TCs forecasted for the Fiji region.

Additional Information

  1. To predict the outlook for the 2024-25 TC season, analogue seasons were identified, that is, seasons in the past (from 1980) with similar background climate. These seasons were 1983-84, 2000-01, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2016-17 and 2017-18.
  2. On average, around two TCs affect Fiji every season. Thus, near normal tropical cyclone activity is likely for the Fiji region this season.
  3. The TC season in the southwest Pacific extend from November to April, with the peak TC activities normally experienced from January to March. However, TCs have occasionally occurred in this region during October and May, and rarely in September and June. Out of season TCs cannot be ruled out this season.
  4. In the past, tropical depressions also had significant impact on Fiji, especially heavy rainfall and severe flooding. Thus, it is important to take heed of all-weather advisories seriously.

Seasonal summary so far – January 2025

Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre – Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook – 2024

TC_seasonal_outlook_2024_25_compressedDownload

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_South_Pacific_cyclone_season

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone_intensity_scales#Australia_and_Fiji

MN 10/2024 Precautionary Measures During The Tropical Cyclone Season

November 8, 2024 / 

  1. All Ship Masters, Owners & Ship Agents for foreign & local ships, Pilots and Port Management Companies/Operators, Marinas and Yacht Clubs are advised that the tropical cyclone season has commenced from 1st November 2024.
  2. All are required to take precautionary measures to keep yourselves, your crews, passengers, cargoes and the ships safe.
  3. Any action taken must not pose undue risk to seafarers and their vessels within the sheltering area during this period.
  4. The table below indicates wind strength and expected damages near tropical cyclone centre.
TC CategoryAverage Wind (km/h)Strongest Gusts (km/h)Central Pressure (hpa)  Typical Effects
163-89Below 125 (Gales)Below 985Negligible house damage; damage to some crops, trees and caravans; boats may drag moorings.
  2  90-124125-169 (Destructive winds)  985-971Minor house damage; significant damage to signs, trees and caravans; heavy damage to some crops; risk of power failure; small craft may break moorings.
  3  125-164170-224 (Very destructive winds)  970-956Some roof and structural damage; some caravans destroyed; power failure likely.
  4  165-224225-279 (Very destructive winds)  955-931Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris; widespread power failures.
  5  Above 224Above 280 (Very destructive winds)  Below 931Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.
  1. All Masters are advised to take early action and preventative measures based on good professional judgement combined with the observance of good seamanship practice to ensure that seafarers and the vessels under their command is kept safe.
  2. Masters must listen to all marine weather bulletins and tropical cyclone updates issued from the Fiji Meteorological Service (www.met.gov.fj) and transmitted through the Suva Coast Radio Station (3DP) and also broadcast through the commercial radio stations.
  3. Ship safety is the Master’s responsibility therefore the Master must take all necessary action to keep their ship safe at all times.
  4. Ship owners must provide all necessary support to Masters of their vessels to ensure that the ship is kept safe during the tropical cyclone season.

JOWELI CAWAKI

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji

07 November 2024

https://www.msaf.com.fj/mn-10-2024-precautionary-measures-during-the-tropical-cyclone-season

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