Tropical Cyclone Alert issued for parts of Fiji

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group.

The Nadi Weather Office confirms that Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Ella is located about 530 kilometres North East of Vanuabalavu and continues to move towards Fiji at 15 kilometres per hour.

People in Muamua, Vanuabalavu preparing for TC Ella (09/05/17). [Photo: Atelaite Cama]

Close to the centre of Cyclone Ella, the system is estimated to have average winds of 75 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 100 kilometres per hour.

Based on the weather models and assessments, Cyclone Ella may bring damaging gale force winds over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group from tomorrow night.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group.

For Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and Lau and Lomaiviti group - expect strong winds with average speeds of 45 kilometres per hour with gusts to 80 kilometres per hour.

This is expected to increase further to damaging gale force winds of 75 kilometres per hour to 100 kilometres per hour from tomorrow night.

Expect rough seas.

For the rest of Fiji - expect wind speeds of 45 kilometres per hour and gusts to 80 kilometres per hour.

Heavy rain is expected for most parts of the country.

Latest Tropical Cyclone Threat Track Map-1:30PM Wednesday 10 May 2017. [Image: met.gov.fj]

The Weather Office says this can lead to flash flooding in low lying areas.

River flooding is also expected.

Please note that this is based on current assessments and we will continue to bring you the latest updates as the track of the system is also uncertain which means that the Weather Office cannot determine the exact track Cyclone Ella will take when it enters the Fiji group.

Weather Office Forecaster, Stephen Meke calls on people to prepare for the worst as the cyclone is expected to intensify to a Category 2 system when it enters the group tomorrow.

Meke also says people living in Suva, Nausori, Tailevu and Ra should also be well prepared.

The Weather Office is continuing to monitor Cyclone Ella.

Looking at the Lau group,

The Villagers of Keteira in the island of Moala are currently preparing for the worst as Cyclone Ella moves towards Fiji.

Village Headman, Maika Bolatolu says he has advised the 118 villagers of the precautionary measures to be taken.

Bolatolu says they have put down all the sheds and have secured all the houses.

Speaking to Fijivillage from Vanuabalavu, Atelaite Cama says the last bit of preparations are underway as they have just dismantled the tent classrooms for Mualevu District School in the last hour. 

Stay with us for developments on whether it will affect us directly as we track Cyclone Ella.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured this image of Tropical Cyclone Ella northeast of Fiji.