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 located very close to Nadi (about 40 kilometres to the west of Nadi) and the western division is experiencing the brunt of Cyclone Evan.
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.
This is expected to affect the coastal areas from 9.30 tonight.
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.
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.
The next 4 to 6 hours will be the worst as the eye passes over the western division.
Suva and nearby towns will see gales gusting to 100kmph for much of tonight.
Feature
Sigatoka through to Ba experiencing destructive hurricane force winds
