People living in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group should be fully prepared for damaging gale force winds and continuous heavy rain from tomorrow as Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Ella continues to move towards Fiji.
Nadi Weather Office Forecaster Stephen Meke says the centre of Cyclone Ella is located about 415km North East of Vanuabalavu or about 410km East North East of Udu Point.
The cyclone is currently moving west at about 10km per hour towards Fiji.
Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 95km per hour with momentary gusts to 130km per hour.
On this track, the cyclone will bring intensifying damaging gale force winds over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group from tomorrow.
The cyclone is intensifying as it continues to move towards Fiji.
The Nadi Weather Office says it may even become a category 3 cyclone by the time it enters the Fiji waters.
Meke says they are certain that Cyclone Ella will enter the Fiji group tomorrow based on all their weather assessments.
Meke says people in Viti Levu including the Western Division should be prepared for strong winds, continuous heavy rain and flash flooding and they should continue to monitor the movement of Cyclone Ella as it comes into the Fiji waters.
He stresses that those living in Suva, Nausori, Tailevu and Ra should take note of this as they expect a lot of rain.
A Category 2 cyclone can cause significant damage to signs and trees, and heavy damage to some crops. There can be a risk of power failure.
A Category 2 cyclone’s strongest winds are destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 125km per hour to 164km per hour.
A Category 3 cyclone can cause roof and structural damage. Power failures are likely.
A Category 3 cyclone’s strongest winds are very destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 165km per hour to 224km per hour.
Preparations for parts of Fiji for TC Ella ...
Preparations have begun in the Northern Division as Tropical Cyclone Ella continues to move towards Fiji.
Commissioner Northern, Jovesa Vocea says he has already spoken to the TuraganiKoros, matanitikinas and advisory councillors to start securing their property.
He says all the district officers and provincial administrators have been instructed to get the evacuation centres ready for tonight.
Vocea has stressed that people in the Northern Division should refrain from moving around.
You can call DISMAC on 3319250 if you need to know your nearest evacuation centre.
In Lau,
Five evacuation centres have been activated in Vanuabalavu.
The Lomaloma District Representative Laveti Saurara says at least 24 families have moved into these evacuation centres as a precautionary measure.
Villagers of Naikeleyaga in Kabara are also preparing for the worst as all boats have been brought to shore and shutters have been installed.
Villager, Josaia Matavura says all the men in the village have been sent to their plantations to get food.
In Koro,
More than 24 families in Nakodu village still living in tents have been advised to move to secured houses if the situation worsens.
Seven families in Kade village have also been moved to secured houses.
In Udu Point,
Ilimotama Waqanivalu of Udu Point says preparations for Cyclone Ella started on Tuesday.
He says they are now securing more houses and stocking food.
You can also check out all the details and the forecast track on our facebook page, Fijivillage.
