Hurricane Tomas has intensified overnight and is now close to a category four hurricane.

Hurricane Tomas has intensified further overnight with average winds of now 90 knots close to the centre.

Tomas has been moving slowly but steadily towards Fiji=s Northern Division.

The hurricane centre is now almost reaching Cikobia and expected to pass over the island in the next 3-4 hours.

The system has taken a more South Southwest course overnight and as such expected to go right over Eastern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Lau Group.

The central division should experience damaging gales force winds (34-47 knots) from later today.

It could escape destructive to very destructive storm to hurricane force winds.

Winds are expected to strengthen during the day and we hope that they do not get too destructive.

Most of Western Division may only escape with strong to marginal gale force (25-35 knots) winds. Flooding is largely expected to occur in Northern, Central and Eastern divisions.

Flooding from sea will be major problem for low-lying islands in Northern and Eastern Divisions.