TC Winston expected to re-enter the Fiji waters this weekend

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston which is located to the far North East of Fiji is gradually moving westwards towards the Fiji group.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Ravind Kumar confirms that Cyclone Winston is now a Category 4 system and has recurved near Tonga and will head back over Tonga towards the Fiji waters. 

It is expected to affect the Lau group from Saturday. 

Outlook for Saturday : Rain developing over the Eastern parts of the group and gradually spreading to the rest of the Fiji group. 

Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms.

People are advised to listen to the weather updates.

Meanwhile the Tongan Weather Office says Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston has hurricane force winds across its 150kms diameter and the intensifying storm may become Category 5, sometime before midday tomorrow, north of Vava’u.

Matangi Tonga says a state of emergency may be declared for Tonga this evening.

Vava’u is most likely to be on the edge of the hurricane force winds.

After slowing down and intensifying in the open sea to the north east of Vava’u today, Tropical Cyclone Winston remains highly unpredictable.