A tropical cyclone alert is now in force for the Lau group.
The Nadi Weather Office says a strong wind warning remains in force for eastern Viti Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
Severe tropical cyclone Ula which is a category three system was located approximately 915km east of Lakeba or about 1,035km east of Udu Point at 1pm today.
The cyclone is moving towards west south west at 13km per hour.
Close to its center, tropical cyclone Ula is expected to have average winds of 120km per hour and momentary gusts up to 170km per hour.
On this track, the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds over the Lau group.
Nadi Weather Office Director, Ravind Kumar says they expect tropical cyclone Ula to enter Fiji waters at around 1pm on Sunday.
He says the system has slowed down over the last 6 to 12 hours.
Kumar says on its projected path, the cyclone is expected to maintain a west south west track and will move at 18km per hour.
For eastern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, people can expect winds with average speed of 45km per hour gusting to 65km per hour.
Rest of Fiji:
The heavy rain warning previously in force for Eastern and Northern Vitilevu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group has been cancelled.
A flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Wailotua station and areas downstream of Wainibuka River.
Water level in the Wailotua River was 7.30m at 2pm which is above alert level.
A flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Nayavu station and areas downstream from Wainibuka River.
Water level in the Nayavu River was 6.57m at 2pm.
National Disaster Management Office Director Akapusi Tuifagalele says the tropical depression is slowing moving away from the group but tropical cyclone Ula is expected to reach Fiji tomorrow.
He says the Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force have been notified of the situation along with the rest of the district offices.
Tuifagalele adds as of yesterday the National Emergency operation centre has been activated.
He says Kalabu Secondary School has been opened as an evacuation centre.
People of Vanuabalavu are now preparing for Tropical Cyclone Ula.
A resident, Ilikimi Naitini says they have alerted the 16 villages in Vanuabalavu to prepare themselves.
People in the Central and Eastern division are now urged to prepare as water levels are rising in major rivers.
Water level in the Rewa River continues to rise gradually to warning levels.
According to a government statement, those residing in low lying areas and areas within the vicinity of the Rewa River are advised to be alert, to prepare emergency supplies and be aware of their nearest evacuation center.
The general public is advised to refrain from crossing flooded roads and areas. Parents are advised to supervise children at all times.
The Central Division Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.
Drownings:
Three people have drowned today in separate incidents.
Police Spokesperson, Atunaisa Sokomuri confirms a three-year-old boy drowned in the Labasa River this afternoon while a man drowned in Natovi.
In another incident, a man who was reported missing in Ovalau has also drowned at sea.
At sea:
Three people are still missing at sea after the boat they were travelling in capsized near Ovalau this morning.
Sokomuri says eight people had left Ovalau for Motoriki.
Sokomuri says five of them managed to swim to shore.
Villagers residing along the Tailevu-North coastline and Ovalau are urged to keep a look out for the three missing people.
Roads and Bridges:
People who want to travel to upper Naitasiri are advised seven roads have been closed as water levels continue to rise in the Wainimala River.
These are Mataisau Road, Waima Road, Wainikovu Road, Navulokadi back road, Waila Road, Naivucini Road and Lutu Road.
Members of the public are advised to refrain from using these roads until further notice.
Emergency operation officials based in Vunidawa are closely monitoring the situation.
The Nabouwalu road in the Northern Division is currently closed as the Makolei Bridge has been washed away.
According to the Fiji Roads Authority, the road will be closed until the bridge is repaired.
The Koroinisolo Road in Vatubogi, Bua is also closed due to a fallen tree.
Shipping and Air services:
Patterson Shipping services from Nabouwalu to Natovi has been suspended until further notice.
All flights to Rotuma have been cancelled until further notice.
According to a government statement, all flights to Rotuma have been cancelled till further notice while other domestic and international flights are operating normal.
Stay with us for latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.
Tropical Cyclone Ula Forecast Track Map
Number 43 issued 0127 UTC Friday 1 January 2016
Tropical Cyclone Ula Threat Track Map
Number 43 issued 0131 UTC Friday 1 January 2016
Earth Wind Map:
