A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the Lau Group.
There is a strong wind warning in force for Lau, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Northern and Western Viti Levu.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula which is a category 3 system was located 475km east of Lakeba or about 770km east of Suva as of 8 this morning.
On this track, the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds over the Lau group from tomorrow.
Nadi Weather Office Director Ravind Kumar says the cyclone is moving west‑southwest at about 23km per hour.
Kumar says the Lau group can expect strong easterly winds with average speed of 50km/hr and momentary gusts of 65km/hr.
He says winds may increase further to damaging gale force from tomorrow.
He is calling on people living in the Lau group to be prepared.
Kumar says for the rest of Fiji, moderate to fresh westerly winds, gusty at times with occasional showers from tomorrow.
Looking at the situation on the ground, in the central division there have been occasional rain at times but mostly sunny in most parts, fine weather in the Western Division and Northern Division.
Flood situation:
The flood warning that was in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Wailotua Sation and areas downstream of Wainibuka river is now cancelled.
The water level at Wailotua was 2.38m at 4 this morning which is 0.12m below the alert level.
However, a flood alert remains in force for low lying areas and areas downstream of Navolau station.
Water level at Navolau was 6.31m at 4 this morning which is 0.31m above alert level.
Water levels in major rivers in the Central and Eastern division are now gradually decreasing but people are urged to remain alert.
The National Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.
Missing:
Three people are still missing at sea after the boat they were travelling in capsized near Ovalau.
Police say eight people had left Ovalau for Motoriki.
Villagers residing along the Tailevu North coastline and Ovalau are urged to keep a look out for the three missing people.
Roads and Bridges:
People who want to travel to upper Naitasiri are advised that the seven roads that were closed yesterday have been opened.
Mataisau Road, Waima Road, Wainikovu Road, Navulokadi back road, Waila Road, Naivucini Road and Lutu Road are now open.
The Nabouwalu Road in the Northern Division is still closed as the Makolei Bridge has been washed away.
According to the Fiji Roads Authority the road will be closed until the bridge is repaired.
There is also confirmation that the bus which fell into the Makolei River after it tried to cross the broken Makolei Bridge has been recovered.
Emergency operation officials on the ground confirm that there were no injuries.
The Nalawa Bridge in Savusavu has been opened.
The Koroinisolo Road in Vatubogi, Bua is still closed due to a fallen tree.
Stay with us for the latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.
The National Emergency Operation Center can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.
Tropical Cyclone Ula Forecast Track Map
Number 45 issued 1311 UTC Friday 1 January 2016 [Source: met.gov.fj]
Tropical Cyclone Ula Threat Track Map
Number 45 issued 1314 UTC Friday 1 January 2016 [Source: met.gov.fj]
Earth Wind Map:
