Hurricane Tomas is expected to pass over the eastern part of Vanua Levu later this evening.
Nadi Weather Office Director Rajendra Prasad said Hurricane Tomas had intensified overnight and is now close to a Category 4 hurricane.
Prasad said at the moment damaging gale force winds still expected in the eastern parts of Viti Levu including Suva, Nausori, Navua, Rakiraki and other small islands.
Prasad confirmed that a hurricane warning is now in force for Cikobia, Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa and nearby smaller islands.
The Nadi Weather Office said a storm warning is in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Yacata, Koro and nearby smaller islands, while a gale warning is now in force for the rest of the Fiji group.
Hurricane Tomas centre was located near 14 decimal 9 south 179 decimal 8 west or about 200km North Northeast of Labasa or 405km North Northeast of Suva at 5am today.
Close to its centre the hurricane is estimated to have average winds of 150 km/hr increasing to 170km/hr with momentary gusts up to 230 km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours.
The hurricane is intensifying and moving South Southwest at 13 km/hr.
On this track the hurricane centre is expected to be located about 90km northeast of Labasa or 295 km North Northeast of Suva at 5pm today and about 60 km southeast of Labasa or 195 northeast of Suva at 5am tomorrow morning.
Hurricane Tomas close to Category 4
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