Tropical Cyclone Gita likely to be upgraded to Category 5 cyclone

People are advised to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain as the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita is expected to enter the Fiji waters over the Southern Lau Group tomorrow.

The Fiji Weather Office says this is based on the current projected path of Cyclone Gita.

Weather Office Director Ravin Kumar confirms that on the projected track, Cyclone Gita is anticipated to affect Southern Tonga and may enter Fiji waters tonight and is likely to pass South of Ono-i-Lau as a Category 5 system tomorrow night.

Threat track map as of 7.37am today (Photo: Fiji Met)

Kumar says that before it approaches strong winds can possibly expand to the whole of Fiji while damaging gale force to strong force winds can expand over the Western and Southern parts of Fiji as it comes closer.

Although the centre of the cyclone will not pass over Viti Levu, people are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rain.

Kumar says that the Weather Office will continue to monitor the system as it comes closer and as new information comes on hand the projected tracks will be adjusted.

A Tropical Cyclone Alert remains in force for Southern Lau Group and is now in force for Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.