People in the Northern division are now feeling very strong winds and continuous heavy rain, which are now the direct effects of Hurricane Tomas.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said the full brunt of Hurricane Tomas has been felt in Cikobia for the last few hours and it is a major concern that Tomas is very slow moving and battering the island with hurricane force winds.

He confirms that Tomas is now heading towards Rabi, Kioa and Taveuni.

Category 4 Hurricane Tomas is now in the Fiji group and the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu will also be affected, with winds strengthening even further now.

A hurricane warning remains in force for the Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Cikobia, Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa, Yacata, Koro, Vanua Balavu, Gau, Batiki, Nairai, Wakaya, Makogai, Cicia, Lakeba, Kabara, Moala, Matuku, Totoya and nearby smaller islands.

A storm warning is in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Ovalau 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 8 South 179 decimal 4 West or about 130 kilometres North North East of Taveuni or 345 kilometres North East of Suva at 4pm today.

Close to its centre, Tomas is estimated to have average winds of 175 kilometres per hour increasing to 200 kilometres per hour within the next 12 hours with momentary gusts up to 270 kilometres per hour.

The hurricane is intensifying and moving South at 9 kilometres per hour.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 55 kilometres East South East of Taveuni or 255 kilometres East North East of Suva at 4am tomorrow morning and about 80 kilometres West South west of Lakeba or 225 kilometres East of Suva at 4pm tomorrow.

The next special weather bulletin is expected at 9pm.
 
For the Central Division, Prasad said winds will start strengthening in the division from this evening going into tonight and tomorrow.

You will also experience continuous heavy rain and sea flooding which will result in flash flooding.

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.

Prasad said Hurricane Tomas will remain in the Fiji group tomorrow.