A hurricane warning is now in force for the western parts of Viti Levu and nearby smaller islands.
We have received confirmation that the areas that will start getting hurricane force winds will be:
Lautoka will start receiving hurricane force winds from 2.30pm onwards.
Nadi will receive hurricane force winds from 4.30pm onwards while Sigatoka will receive strong winds from 5.30pm onwards.
In the last hour, the eye of Tropical Cyclone Evan was right over central Bligh Waters and appears to be passing close to the North West coast of Viti Levu.
The populated centres around Ba, Lautoka and nearby villages will start experiencing the worst conditions.
Conditions expected to get worse in the next hour or two.
It is predicted that the areas will be affected for a few hours.
A strong wind warning remains in force for the Bua province and the interior of Viti Levu.
A gale warning remains in force for Cikobia, Taveuni, the rest of Vanua Levu, and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti, the rest of Viti Levu and nearby smaller islands, Kadavu, Beqa and Vatulele.
A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Fiji.
Tropical Cyclone Evan is currently located 30 kilometres West of Lautoka.
The cyclone is moving South West at about 22 kilometres per hour.
Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 185 kilometres per hourwith momentary gusts to 270 kilometres per hour.
Due to the category 4 status of Cyclone Evan, the system is expected to affect many land areas.
Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
Tropical Cyclone Evan which is still a category 4 cyclone was located near 16.5 South 178.0 East or about 50 kilometres east-northeast of Yasawa-I-Rara and about 140 kilometres west of Labasa and about 150 kilometres north-northeast of Nadi earlier today.
The cyclone is moving southwest at about 22 kilometres per hour.
Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 270 kilometres per hour.
On this track, the cyclone is expected to be located about 70 kilometres west-southwest of Nadi at 9 tonight.
Due to the category 4 status of Cyclone Evan, the system is expected to affect many areas.
Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
For the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups and the western parts of Viti Levu, expect very destructive hurricane force winds with average speeds of 185 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 270 kilometres per hour.
The people of Yasawa are now feeling the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Evan as we are receiving reports from many areas from the Yasawa group.
Singh said Evan is currently affecting the Yasawa group.
For the people in the Western Division, please get prepared as a hurricane warning is issued for the western part of Viti Levu.
According to Na Draki, the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups and western Viti Levu will bear the full brunt of TC Evan today with winds likely to reach hurricane force gusting over 200 kilometres per hour later this afternoon.
It said this is an extremely dangerous cyclone and all steps to protect life and property should be taken.
Winds will be destructive with even strong solidly built houses at risk of damage.
Weaker structures are likely be destroyed.
The winds will start accelerating from this hour around the western division and won’t peak until this evening.
Those in the Yasawas and Mamanucas and in the coastal regions from Lautoka to Nadi including Denarau should take note of the expected close proximity of the eye to these locations and prepare accordingly.
Storm surges of over 4 metres are likely with significant sea flooding likely later today along the north and western Viti Levu coast as winds shift onshore especially with high tide around 9.30 tonight.
Periods of heavy rain with local flash flooding expected.
Rivers rising and river flooding is possible this evening in Nadi with high tide.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
