Tropical Cyclone Evan is expected to remain to the North of Fiji for the whole of tonight and continue its movement later tomorrow morning.
Based on this people in the Northern division are expected to start experiencing strong winds and rain from tonight going into tomorrow morning.
A hurricane warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca.
A gale warning remains in force for Cikobia, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti, Viti Levu and smaller islands.
A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Fiji.
The centre of severe Tropical Cyclone Evan Category 4 was located near 14 decimal 7 South and 179 decimal 9 West or about 115 kilometres North of Cikobia and 210 kilometres North North East of Labasa at 6pm.
The cyclone is moving West South West at about 25 kilometres per hour.
Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of upto 165 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 230 kilometres per hour.
On this track, the cyclone is expected to be located about 90 kilometres North East of Yasawa-i-Rara or about 130 kilometres West North West of Labasa early tomorrow morning.
The Weather Office said destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
Nadi Weather Office Director Alipate Waqaicelua said the cyclone continues to head West South West at about 25 kilometers per hour and by tomorrow morning the centre is expected to be to the North North East of Yasawa.
He said the Yasawa group will be feeling the strongest effect of the cyclone from early tomorrow but advises people in other parts to be prepared as Tropical Cyclone Evan is a large system as it is a category 4 cyclone.
It is projected that early tomorrow, Tropical Cyclone Evan is expected to move close to, or just north of the Yasawas.
The cyclone is expected to maintain its current intensity till Tuesday.
The Weather Office has also stressed that people need to be prepared for sea flooding.
Damaging heavy waves and swells generated by the combined effects of Cyclone Evan and an intense area of high pressure to the far South of Fiji are still expected.
The Weather Office said the resultant wave attack on our coastal communities, especially in Northern Lau, Taveuni, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, as well as northern Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca, is expected to be severe.
Rain will be frequent and heavy especially along and close to the track.
Flooding including sea flooding of coastal areas is expected.
Waqaicelua stressed that though the projected track of Tropical Cyclone Evan keeps the centre to the north and later west of Fiji, all communities in Fiji should still be prepared, heed warnings, and act responsibly, to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
