Expect damaging winds from later this afternoon as Cyclone Ana moves closer

You will experience damaging winds from later this afternoon before the centre of Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Ana passes over overhead or nearby.

The Nadi Weather Office says they are getting reports from the ground that strong winds are already being experienced in Yasawa.

The system was located 210 kilometres North West of Nadi earlier this morning.

Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Ana is currently moving East at about 20 kilometres per hour.

Based on the current projections by the Nadi Weather Office, the centre of the cyclone is expected to pass over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group later this afternoon.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre is also expected to pass over Viti Levu late this evening into tomorrow morning.

Prepare for more widespread heavy rain and flooding.

You should expect winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour.

The strong and damaging winds have the potential to destroy weak structures, disrupt electrical power distribution and communication services.

It can also cause severe damage to crops and vegetation.

There is an increased risk of landslides, flash flooding of low lying areas and flooding of streams and rivers as the ground is already saturated.

If you live along with the coastal areas of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca, please note that Cyclone Ana can bring high waves of possibly more than 6 metres.

A flash flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas and small streams near major rivers of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Areas included in the flash flood warning for Vanua Levu are Nabouwalu to Labasa, Nabouwalu to Kubulau, Dawara to Naibalebale Village along Wailevu West Coast Road, Naibalebale Village to Savusavu, Savusavu to Natewa and Tunuloa, Koroalau, Saqani to Labasa.

Areas included in the flash flood warning for Viti Levu are low lying areas from Sigatoka to Lautoka to Rakiraki – Semo in Nadroga, Nawaicoba, Nadi Back Road, Lomolomo and Barara flats, Navutu flats, Lovu, Saru Back Road, Vuda Back Road in Lautoka, Koronubu flat, Namosau, Veisaru, Varavu flats, Nailaga and other low lying areas in Ba, Nausori, Naqali, Lodoni and Korovou.

A Tropical Cyclone warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji. There is also a heavy rain warning for the whole of Fiji.