The Nadi Weather office has warned people that Hurricane Daman is expected to cross Vanua Levu this afternoon as it has now changed its path and is taking a South East direction.

Hurricane Daman is now heading closer to the Fiji group. Daman was located near 15 decimal 5 South 176 decimal 9 East or about 155 kilometers North North West of Yasawa or 220 kilometers North West Nabouwalu or 255 kilometers North North West of Nadi at 6am today.

Close to its centre, Hurricane Daman is estimated to have average winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 220 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is now moving South East at about 15 kilometers per hour.

Tropical Cyclone Daman was upgraded to Hurricane level after the intensity of the winds increased to about 155 kilometers. Due to its current intensity, it can cause extensive structural damage to houses, infrastructure, large trees may fall, shrubs will be stripped. Coastal and low lying escape routes may be flooded and coastal evacuation may be necessary.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said people should get prepared for Hurricane Daman now as Daman is expected to be worse than Cyclone Ami and Kina.