A Hurricane warning is now in force for Cikobia Island.
A storm warning is now in force for Eastern half of Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
A gale warning is now in force for rest of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.
A tropical cyclone alert is in force for rest of Fiji.
Severe Tropical cyclone Tomas center was located 13 decimal 9 South 179 Decimal 5 West or about 310km North-North East of Labasa at 9pm tonight.
Close to its center the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 140 km per hour increasing to 165 km per hour with momentary gusts up to 230 km per hour in the next 12 to 24 hours.
The cyclone is intensifying and moving South-South West at 10km per hour.
On this track, the cyclone center is expected to be located about 210 km North North East of Labasa at 9am tomorrow morning and about 120km North-North East of Labasa 9pm tomorrow night.
Nadi Weather Office Director Rajendra Prasad said Tomas has now been upgraded to Category three which means that it now has hurricane force winds and is expected to affect the whole country earlier than expected.
Prasad said the center of severe Hurricane Tomas was located 260 kilometers North-North east of Udu Point at 5pm this afternoon and has an average wind of 120 kilometers at its centre.
Hurricane Tomas is currently moving at a speed of 16 kilometres an hour and is expected to have momentary gusts of wind of up to 220 kilometres an hour within the next 18 hours.
Damaging gale force winds extend to about 280km from the cyclone.
Prasad said that at the moment they have projected the path of Hurricane Tomas, and it is expected to pass through Savusavu and Labasa before affecting the outer islands however this may change at any time.
He said parts of Vanua Levu may have been facing the full brunt of the cyclone by now.
Once again, the Whole of the Fiji Group is now on a Tropical Cyclone Warning as Hurricane Tomas now picked up speed.
Nadi weather Office Director said that Hurricane Tomas has now been upgraded to Category three which means that it now has hurricane force winds and is expected to affect the whole country earlier than expected.
At this stage, Prasad said all the main parts of the country are expected to get affected from tonight.
He said people in the Northern division should take the necessary steps now as strong winds and heavy rain will affect many parts of Vanua Levu within the next few hours.
People are also reminded that the cyclone has now gained hurricane status, which means that it will have destructive winds and people need to secure their property and the make the decision now to move to high ground or to an evacuation centre set up by DISMAC.
People also need to be mindful of the continuous heavy rain and sea flooding which is expected to result in flash flooding.
For Viti Levu, people living in Suva, Nausori, Navua, Rakiraki.
Please ensure that you take the necessary steps and secure your property.
You also have to take the necessary steps if you believe that your houses are not secure and would not be able to sustain hurricane force winds.
Flash flooding is also likely in these areas.
Please ensure that you have stocked up on food, batteries, torches and emergency lights.
Ensure that you have a transistor radio in case there are power cuts, as normally power supply gets affected due to fallen lines.
Also ensure that children are safe and please do not touch any broken power lines.
Also store water, as water supply will be affected if there are power cuts.
Hurricane warning for Cikobia Island
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p