Evan 35km southwest of Nadi

Western Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Nadi, Lautoka and all the way to Ba are experiencing destructive hurricane force winds from 135 kilometres per hour gusting to 270 kilometres per hour.

Tropical Cyclone Forecaster Shalvin Singh said the system is now 35 kilometres to the Southwest of Nadi and the western division is experiencing the brunt of Cyclone Evan.

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

These areas are getting winds averaging 100 kilometres per hour gusting to 140 kilometres per hour.

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

The cyclone is moving southwest at about 18 km/hour.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 185 km/hour with momentary gusts to 270 km/hour.

Suva and nearby towns will see gales gusting to 100kmph for much of tonight.