![TC Yasa Threat Map Number 51 issued at 7:31am Wednesday 16 December 2020 [Photo: met.gov.fj]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/12426410035fd94fc23c5fa21214e7.jpg)
The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is now located about 540 kilometres North West of Nadi and continues to head towards Fiji.
Cyclone Yasa has intensified to a category 5 system and close to its centre, the cyclone is expected to have average winds of upto 220 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 315 kilometres per hour.
The Nadi Weather Office says these are very destructive winds.
The cyclone is moving East North East at about 9 kilometres per hour.
Please be advised that destructive winds are likely to begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
Expect strong winds gusting upto 65 kilometres per hour today.
The Weather Office says winds are expected to increase to damaging winds with average speeds of upto 75 kilometres per hour from later today.
Expect sea flooding of coastal areas from storm surges and damaging heavy swells during high tide. The waves will be as high as 6 metres.
Expect winds picking up in Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
From 3am tomorrow, winds are expected to further increase to destructive storm force and very destructive hurricane force winds upto 185 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts upto 260 kilometres per hour by 3pm tomorrow.
Flash flooding of low lying areas is expected, expect phenomenal seas and damaging heavy swells.
Expect sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas especially during high tide from storm surges tomorrow and Friday.
A gale warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning is now in force for coastal waters of Rotuma, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.
A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji.
A flash flood alert remains in force for low lying areas.
A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the rest of Fiji.
Secure your property today. Have your supplies ready, have some standby non-perishable food items and water, ensure you have a transistor radio and batteries to follow the weather reports on Legend FM and ensure you have emergency lights and torches.
You can also check out the latest updates, satellite images and track maps on our website, fijivillage
Stay with us for developments.
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