Tropical Cyclone Evan batters the West

Tropical Cyclone Evan has now moved closer to Nadi and there are indications now that many areas will continue to have hurricane force, storm force or gale force winds until tomorrow morning.

Cyclone Evan which is still a category 4 system is currently located 17.5 South 177.3 East.

Hurricane force winds averaging 190 kilometres per hour gusting to 270 kilometres per hour are being experienced in Lautoka from earlier this afternoon.

As highlighted earlier on Fijivillage, this will continue until tonight or even tomorrow morning.

As expected, Nadi has started getting hurricane force winds from the last hour.

This will continue until the early hours of tomorrow.

For people living in Sigatoka, please be advised that you will start getting hurricane force winds from this hour.

Storm force winds are now being experienced in Rakiraki, Tavua and Ba.

These areas will get winds averaging 100 kilometres per hour gusting to 140 kilometres per hour.

A gale warning remains in force for Cikobia, Taveuni, the rest of Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti, the Central Division including Suva and nearby smaller islands, Kadavu, Beqa and Vatulele.

A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Fiji.

Sea and river flooding is expected from later today and this will be severe.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 270 kilometres per hour.

Due to the category 4 status of Cyclone Evan, the system is expected to affect many land areas.

Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

Nadi Weather Office Director Alipate Waqaiceluaa said the strong winds will continue.