A hurricane warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca group.
A gale warning is in force for Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Cikobia, Taveuni, and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti.
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 15 decimal 0 South 179 decimal 9 East or about 90 kilometres North North West of Cikobia and 185 kilometres North North East of Labasa at 8.30pm.
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 60 kilometres North East of Yasawa-i-Rara or about 145 kilometres West of Labasa or about 165 kilometres North North East of Nadi early tomorrow morning.
The Weather Office said that destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
Nadi Weather Office Director Alipate Waqaicelua said that 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 and 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 that 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.
For Suva, Na Draki Weather is saying that the centre is presently 400 kilometres from Suva, and winds are gusty at times, but by 5am tomorrow, the cyclone will be only 220 kilometres away and we will be on the margin of gale force winds.
Those around northwest Viti Levu from Tavua past Lautoka to Nadi can expect winds to be destructive storm force for 4 or 5 hours tomorrow morning through to the evening.
The closest approach to Nadi is now expected around 3pm tomorrow.
It is also predicted that Suva and nearby towns will start experiencing strengthening winds and increasing rain tonight.
A category 4 cyclone has very destructive winds between 159 to 200 kilometers per hour and the effects from this can include significant roofing loss, structural damages and widespread power failure.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
