All communication is lost in Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa this hour as Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita batters the two islands in the Lau group.

Fijivillage has also received confirmation that destructive winds are being experienced in Ono-i-Lau and heavy swells as high as 5 metres were recorded around the coastal areas of Ono-i-Lau early this morning.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa.

Storm and gale warnings remain in force for the rest of Southern Lau Group, Matuku, Totoya, Moala, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lakeba and Nayau.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

The centre of Cyclone Gita was located about 60 kilometres South South West of Ono-i-Lau earlier this afternoon.

TC Gita Forecast Track Map as at 4.36pm Tue 13 Feb 2018 [met.gov.fj]

Close to its centre, the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 195 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 275 kilometres per hour.

It is moving West at about 25 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells and sea flooding of coastal areas are highly likely.

Please note that destructive winds are likely to begin several hours before the cyclone passes overhead or nearby.

The Weather Office will continue to monitor the system and as new information comes to hand, the projected tracks will be adjusted.