Tropical Cyclone Rae is now a Cat 2

Tropical Cyclone Rae is now a Category 2 and is expected to intensify into a severe tropical cyclone from later today.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Cyclone Rae is located about 80km East of Udu Point or about 110km Northeast of Taveuni.

It is moving in a South-southwest direction at about 15km/hr towards the Lau group.

A Hurricane Warning is in force for the Moala Group.

A Storm Warning is in force for Vanua Balavu, Tuvuca, Lakeba, Moce, Cicia, Nayau, Mago, Yacata, Katafaga, Oneata, Namuka-i-Lau, Kabara, Katoa, Fulaga, Nairai and Gau.

A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Cakaudrove province and Southern Bua, Cikobia, Naqele Levu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti Group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Northeastern parts of Viti Levu from Tailevu North through Ra-Rakiraki up to Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the whole Fiji group.

Cat 2 Tropical Cyclone Rae lies just to the Northeast of Vanua Levu and it is expected to further intensify while tracking South-southwest towards the Lau group.

For Vanua Balavu, Tuvuca, Lakeba, Moce, Cicia, Nayau, Mago, Yacata, Katafaga, Oneata, Namuka I Lau, Kabara, Vatoa, Fulaga, Nairai and Gau: Expect strong southeasterly winds with wind speeds up to 100km/hr and gusts up to 140km/hr.

There will be periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms.

For land areas of the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu [Cakaudrove Province, Eastern Macuata and Southern Bua], Cikobia, Naqele Levu, Taveuni, Koro, Ovalau and Ono I Lau: Expect strong southeasterly winds with wind speeds up to 65km/hr and gusts up to 90km/hr.

Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms with very rough to high seas.

For the Eastern and Northern parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Suva to Tailevu North up to Rakiraki/Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands: Strong southeasterly with wind speeds up to 50km/hr and gusts up to 65km/hr. Occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms.

For the Moala Group: Strong southeasterly with wind speeds up to 50km/hr and gusts up to 65km/hr, increasing to very destructive hurricane force winds with average speeds of 120km/hr and gusts to 170km/hr from this evening.

Occasional to periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms.

FOR THE REST OF THE FIJI GROUP Cloudy periods with some showers. Showers increasing to rain and becoming frequent and heavy with squally thunderstorms during the today.

POSSIBLE IMPACTS DUE TO HEAVY RAIN: Localised flooding of susceptible communities, business and low lying areas.

Localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow.

Severe flooding of major rivers which could flood towns and properties as Poor visibility for motorists and mariners.