A hurricane warning remains in force for the eastern half of Vanua Levu, Cikobia, Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa, Yacata, Koro, Gau, Batiki, Nairai, Wakaya, Makogai and nearby smaller islands.

A storm warning is in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Lakeba, Vanua Balavu, Moala, Matuku, Totoya, Cicia and nearby smaller islands.

A gale warning remains in force for the rest of the Fiji group.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Tomas centre Category 4 was located near 15 decimal 2 South, 179 decimal 5 West or about 185 kilometres northeast of Labasa or 395 kilometres northeast of Suva at 7am today.

Close to the centre the hurricane is estimated to have average winds of 170 kilometres per hour increasing to 205 kilometres per hour in the next 18 to 24 hours with momentary gusts up to 270 kilometres per hour.

The hurricane is intensifying and moving south at 11 kilometres per hour.

On this track, the centre of Tomas is expected to be located about 60 kilometres east of Labasa or 290 kilometres northeast of Suva at 7pm tonight and about 60 kilometres southeast of Labasa or 110 kilometres east-northeast of Suva at 7am tomorrow morning.

For the central division Prasad said winds will start strengthening in the division from this afternoon going into tonight and tomorrow.

He said the only consolation for the Central Division is that people in the division will not be affected by the core of the hurricane.

Damaging gale force winds which extend out very far off will affect them including the coral coast part of the western division and Rakiraki.