Hurricane Daman is moving closer to the Fiji group and has picked up speed over the last three hours.

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

A storm warning is in force for Central Lau group and nearby smaller islands.

Daman was located near 15 decimal 6 South 178 decimal 3 East or about 140 kilometres North-NorthWest of Nabouwalu or 150 kilometres NorthWest of Labasa at 4pm this afternoon.

Close to its centre, Hurricane Daman is estimated to have average winds of up to 195 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 275 kilometres per hour. The hurricane is now moving East at about 18 kilometres per hour but is expected to curve more South East tonight.

Nadi Weather Officer Deputy Director Alipate Waqaicelua said they are currently trying to predict Hurrican Daman's path after the system picked up speed again. He said they are also trying to establish whether the system has intensified and expect an update in the next hour.

If you are living in Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lomaiviti group and Northern Lau group and nearby smaller islands including Cikobia and Kia, expect winds increasing to damaging gale force from this evening, strengthening further to destructive storm force and then to very destructive hurricane force with average speeds of upto 195 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 275 kilometres per hour later today.

For the Central Lau and nearby smaller islands, winds are expect to increase to damaging gale force later today. Winds are expected to strengthen further to destructive storm force with average speeds of upto 120 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 170 kilometres per hour from tonight.

Over the Southern Lau group, winds are expected to increase to damahing gale force of 65 to 85 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of 110 kilometers per hour.

Flooding of low lying areas is expected due to continuous heavy rain. Due to its current intensity, the hurricane 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.

Please secure your property, buy your food supplies, fill water in containers just in case there are water cuts and stock up on batteries and get a radio ready to listen to the weather reports just in case there are power cuts. The stand buy radio and batteries will assist you in finding out the exact location of the hurricane through Village and FM96.

Also ensure that your children remain indoors to avoid any tragedy.