Australia issues new travel warning for Fiji as separate cyclones loom over Pacific neighbour and north Qld

Twin severe tropical cyclones hanging above Australia’s northeast coast are threatening to cause travel havoc for a popular tourist destination. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have issued a warning for Australians planning to travel to Fiji, as the popular tourist destination is set to be battered by category three Tropical Cyclone Vaianu. DFAT’s Smartraveller advice says TC Vaianu will bring heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds as it sweeps south toward New Zealand. “Flights may be delayed or cancelled, and essential services may be disrupted,” DFAT said. “Know your accommodation’s evacuation plan. “If a cyclone is approaching your area, find your nearest shelter and follow the advice of local authorities.” DFAT urged those travelling to Fiji to contact their airline and accommodation provider to find out how their travel plans are likely to be affected. Fiji has been hit hard by cyclones in the past, such as in 2016 when tropical cyclone Winston killed 44 people. Vaianu is expected to hit New Zealand’s north island, including Auckland, over the weekend, but its intensity is likely to have decreased below tropical cyclone levels by then. Maila – a category 3 cyclone – is currently drifting east of Papua New Guinea atop the Solomon Islands and could make landfall in north Queensland on the weekend as well. “Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila is currently located in the Solomon Sea,” the Bureau of Meteorology said. “The steering influences are balanced and Maila is expected to be slow moving over the Solomon Sea before moving west southwest by Thursday. “Maila is expected to remain well away from the Queensland coast during the next few days, but from late week Maila is forecast to be moving towards the far north Queensland coast, potentially crossing the coast on the weekend or early next week.” It is unknown how powerful cyclone Maila will be when it crosses the Australian coastline.