Centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston currently located between Waya Island and Viwa island

The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston is currently located between Waya Island and Viwa island in the Yasawas.

The system is heading in a westerly direction at about 25 to 30 kilometres per hour.

Hurricane force winds are still expected for Ba, Lautoka, the Yasawas and Mamanucas.

Close to the centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 230 kilometres per hour to 325 kilometres per hour.

Areas between Sigatoka and Rakiraki will now get winds between 110 kilometres per hour to 155 kilometres per hour.

Wind speeds have further decreased for Suva, Nausori, Navua and Vanua Levu.

These ares will get winds between 55 kilometres per hour to 80 kilometres per hour.

Winston is leaving a massive trail of destruction.

Many houses have been affected by the destructive winds and some areas are now affected by flood waters.

Many residents who we have spoken to say that they have never experienced the effects of such a monster cyclone. 

You can also contact us on 3314766 for any information and assistance.

As predicted, flood warnings have been issued for a number of areas.

Flood warnings have been issued for Rakiraki including Rakiraki town, the low lying areas of Labasa, the low lying areas along the Wainibuka River, the low lying lying areas of Navua and the low lying areas along the Waimanu River.

Flood alerts have been issued for Labasa Town area, the low lying areas along the Rewa River, Navua Town, low lying areas along Waidina River and the low lying areas in Nairukuruku.

The next high tide is at 5 o’clock in the morning.

Please take action as flooding is expected in these areas.

Situation Report

Namosi

More than 8 houses have been badly damaged in Navunibau, Namosi.

A resident in the area, Jerry Tokalau says they have had strong winds since midday today. 

Tailevu

150 families are now sheltering at the Naitutu Community Hall in Tailevu.

One of the residents, Elenoa Roqa-ranaivalu says 4 houses had their roofs blown away earlier this evening and power lines have also fallen in Naitutu Village.

She says heavy rain continues in the area.

Ba

We have received reports of at least twenty families in Ba whose homes have been badly damaged by the cyclone. 

Several reports have been received where people were stuck under fallen roofs and walls of their houses. 

A family of two children and an elderly man in Raviravi Ba are currently taking shelter under a table.

Ba is currently experiencing strong winds. 

A family of three children and ten adults in Vatulaulau Ba are stuck in a room as the roof of their house was blown away in the last hour.

Three women are stuck in Varadoli, Ba.

The windows of their house have been smashed up and they are currently trying to block the main door of their house.

We have informed Police in the West to assist them.

Nadi

A resident from Sonaisali road in Nadi, Pram Chand says that there is heavy rain in Nadi with destructive strong winds.

Chand says he has gone through a lot of cyclones and he has never experienced a cyclone like this.

Koro Island

A man from Koro Island died after a house fell on him.

Fijivillage has received confirmation that the elderly man was trying to escape from his house but it was too late.

50 houses have been destroyed in the village of Navaga.

Nasinu

10 families from Veiraisi, Nadera were to take shelter at the Nadera Methodist Church hall earlier tonight after flood waters entered their homes.

A resident from Veiraisi says flood waters from blocked drains have entered their homes.

Three houses have lost their roofs in Muanikoso.

The families are are now at an evacuation centre.

Lami

Three people are counting their lucky stars after they escaped serious injuries when a tree fell on their house in Qauia Lami.

Eye witness Jack says the 3 were inside the house when the incident happened.

Suva

Suva is also expected to experience heavy rain and widespread flash flooding tonight.

Destructive storm force winds continue in  Suva, Nausori and Pacific Harbour.

River flooding in Viti Levu is also likely tomorrow.

People living in the low lying coastal areas should take necessary action.    

Stay with us as we will bring you continuous weather updates on Tropical Cyclone Winston.