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 and nearby smaller islands.

A storm warning is in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Matuku, Totoya 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 3 South 179 decimal 4 West or about 185 kilometres North North East of Taveuni or 390 kilometres North East of Suva at 10am today. Close to its centre, Tomas is estimated to have average winds of 175 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 9 kilometres per hour.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 65 kilometres North East of Taveuni or 290 kilometres North East of Suva at 10 o=clock tonight and about 100 kilometres South South East of Taveuni or 215 kilometres East North East of Suva at 10 o=clock tomorrow morning.

The next Special Weather Bulletin will be issued at 3pm today or earlier.


More opt to move to evac centres...

More people are now opting to move to evacuation centers in the northern division as Hurricane Tomas approaches.

Acting Director DISMAC Pajiliai Dobui said around 5,000 people are taking shelter at the evacuation centers.