Severe tropical Cyclone Ula which is a category 3 system was located 60km west of Ono‑i‑lau at 10 pm yesterday.
It is moving south‑west at about 15km per hour and is expected to have average winds of 150km per hour and momentary gusts up to 205km per hour.
A storm warning remains in force for Vatoa and Ono‑i‑lau while a gale warning remains in force for Namuka, Fulaga and Ogea.
There is still a strong wind warning for the rest of the Lau group, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Northern and Southern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
Severe tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to be 180km west‑southwest of Ono‑i‑lau at 10 am today.
The Nadi Weather Office says destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes the Lau group.
Vatoa and Ono‑i‑lau should expect destructive storm force winds with average speed of 105km per hour and momentary gusts of 155km per hour.
Namuka, Fulaga and Ogea should expect damaging gale force winds with speeds of 75km per hour.
Mariners in the Lau and the Koro Sea should expect winds of hurricane force.
The rest of Fiji should expect gusty winds and occasional rain.
Fijivillage has been able to make some contact in Doi village in Ono‑i‑lau and we have received reports of strong winds and rain.
We spoke to Daubale Tuimakutu who says they continue to experience strong winds with rain.
She says that two houses in Doi village have had their rooftops blown away and a kitchen has also been entirely destroyed.
She says that all villagers continue to remain indoors.
We have been informed by the National Emergency Operation Centre that the Community Hall at Doi village has been opened as an evacuation centre.
The Community halls in Motukana, Lovoni and Nukuni have also been opened as evacuation centres.
Emergency operation officials are now trying to determine how many people are actually at the evacuation centres and may need assistance.
Stay with us as we are trying to get reports from other villages around Ono‑i‑Lau.
All roads in the are open in the Northern, Western and Eastern division and are still accessible to all vehicles.
The situation in the Central Division, Western Division and Northern Division is reported to be normal with occasional rain.
The National Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.
Stay with us for the latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.
