The Fiji Meteorological Service has confirmed that strong wind, heavy rain and flash flood warnings remain in force for large parts of the country as Tropical Depression TD03F continues to influence weather conditions.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, and the Northern Lau Group.

A heavy rain warning and a flash flood warning remain in force for the whole of the Fiji Group.

At 3pm today, Tropical Depression TD03F was located about 620 kilometres west-northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara, or approximately 800 kilometres west of Labasa, and is gradually drifting east-southeast at around 10 kilometres per hour.

An associated trough with active rain bands is expected to continue affecting the Fiji Group through to later Thursday.

In its forecast to midnight tomorrow, Fiji Met says fresh to strong northerly winds, averaging up to 50 kilometres per hour with gusts reaching 70 kilometres per hour, are expected over Vanua Levu, Taveuni, nearby smaller islands and the Northern Lau Group from later today through Thursday.

Rough seas are also anticipated in these areas.

Elsewhere, moderate to fresh northerly to southeast winds are forecast, becoming gusty in areas experiencing heavy rain, with moderate to rough seas.

Periods of rain, heavy at times, and a few thunderstorms are expected over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Northern Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, as well as the Lau and Lomaiviti Groups.

Other areas can expect occasional rain with isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms.

Rainfall is forecast to gradually ease to showers and begin clearing from the west later tomorrow, Wednesday.

However, Fiji Met warns that persistent heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.