Expect damaging winds tonight before TC Ana passes overhead or nearby

The eye of Tropical Cyclone Ana is expected to be located closer to the Yasawa group tonight and approach Viti Levu early tomorrow as a Category 1 cyclone.

The Nadi Weather Office says Tropical Cyclone Ana is likely to make landfall over the Ra Province around tomorrow morning then continue to move southeastwards over Viti Levu and track close to Kadavu around tomorrow night to Monday morning.

You will experience damaging winds a few hours before the centre of Cyclone Ana passes 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 200 kilometres North West of Nadi earlier today.

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

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.