The Press Release Resource

• Tweet

• Tweet

Tropical Cyclone Tomas is forecasted to become a major storm and may pass over the Fiji Islands over the weekend.

Evergreen, CO – March 12, 2010 – Two new Tropical Cyclones have formed in the South Pacific and one may pass over Fuji islands advises the Swinden Group.

Tropical Cyclone Tomas

Newly formed Tropical Cyclone Tomas has strengthened over the last 12 hours and may pass over or near the Fuji islands.

As of 1500 UTC, Tomas is located approximately 500 nautical miles northeast of Nadi, Fuji with winds of 65 mph, this is rated at tropical storm strength and is forecasted to strengthen to hurricane strength over the next 12 hours. Currently tracking to the west-southwest, this storm is forecasted to begin to make a left turn and track towards Fiji with possibly making landfall on Sunday or Monday. The “X” factor to making landfall is how long will this storm remain on a westward track.

In any event, interests on the Fiji Islands should begin preparation for the arrival of a major storm and possibly destructive storm.

Threats & Damages

Should the islands suffer a direct hit by a Category 3 hurricane as expected, expect widespread damage, coastal flooding due to the storm surge, inland flooding, and damage to the infrastructure to include utilities, roads, and communications. Expect widespread damage to poorly build structures. Persons directly impacted by the storm should be prepared to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours or more following the passage of the storm.

Travel Impact

Travelers currently in Fuji should consider departing the islands by Sunday. Travelers planning to visit Fiji next week may have to postpone their trip.

“Computer models are mostly in agreement with Tomas coming dangerously close or passing over Fiji as a category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale of 1 to 5.” explains Matthew Swinden, President of the Swinden Group. The Swinden Group provides weather risk management services to organizations and individuals though their Severe Weather Advisories.

“If Tomas even brushes by Fiji, even without making a direct landfall, the heavy rains that a tropical cyclone produces may cause life-threatening flooding and coastal flooding due to high waves,” says Swinden. “If Fiji strikes Luzon as a category 3 storm, then there will be the possibility of widespread destruction to some of the Fiji islands. We are urging our clients to possibly leave the Fiji islands.”

Tropical Cyclone 20

As of 9 am UTC, newly formed Tropical Cyclone 20 is located 50 nm west of Vanuatu and is tracking away from the islands to the west. With winds of 50 mph, this storm is rated at tropical storm strength and is forecasted to strengthen in to major hurricane strength over the next couple of days due to favorable environment. Over the next 72 hours, the storm is expected to remain on a westward track followed by a turn southward. For the immediate future, this storm is not a threat with the exception of the possibility of high surf to the Solomon Islands and the east coast of Australia. Interests on the east coast of Australia should monitor the development of this potential damaging storm.

Severe Weather Advisories is a subscription based service provided by the Swinden Group to corporations and business travelers so that they are prepared for severe weather that may negatively impact business and travel.

The Swinden Group provides companies and organizations security, investigations, and risk management services worldwide.

# # #

Contact:
Matthew Swinden
The Swinden Group, LLC
Phone: 303-406-3622
Web: www.TheSwindenGroup.com
Email: matt@TheSwidnenGroup.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SwindenGroup