Destructive hurricane force winds expected this afternoon

Viti Levu and Vanua Levu will experience very destructive hurricane force winds from this afternoon.

Tropical Cyclone Winston which is now a Category 5 system is expected to pass between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu tonight.

This will also bring heavy rain and could lead to flash flooding.

The cyclone is then expected to move to the South of Yasawa.

Tropical cyclone Winston is currently passing over Taveuni and Savusavu.

The Nadi Weather Office says the eye of the cyclone was located 30 kilometres East‑South‑East of Taveuni at 12pm today.

Savusavu and nearby settlements have also started to experience destructive hurricane force winds.

Brij Narayan from Savusavu Heights says the wind speed has picked in the last three hours.

The cyclone is moving west at about 25 kilometres per hour.

Winston is estimated to have average winds of 220 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts up to 315 kilometres per hour.

It is expected to be located 130 kilometres north of Suva at 9pm today.

People are warned that heavy rain will lead widespread flash flooding.

Please secure your homes and ensure that there are no weak structures around.

Those living in the low‑lying areas are advised to move to higher ground.

During cyclones, there are water and power cuts.

You are advised to store water, stock up canned food and also get a transistor radio and batteries to listen to the weather updates.

Situation report:

Tropical Cyclone Winston hit Vanuabalavu early this morning.

A resident in Vanuabalavu spoke to Fijivillage via a satellite phone from Nabavatu village and said that some houses were badly damaged early this morning and people rushed to other houses to seek shelter.

She said that her house which was one of the most substantial structures on the island was destroyed.

She has termed Tropical Cyclone Winston as a terrible monster.

There is also confirmation that three houses in Tubou village in Lakeba had their rooftops blown away by strong winds this morning.

Four other houses in the village were badly damaged.

Tubou villager Ilaitia Delaimoala says the families are now staying at the Tubou village hall.

The National Disaster Management Office has opened all its 758 evacuation centres around the country.

People are also being urged to do their shopping now as most of the town and cities around the country are closing down.

The Suva Retailers Association says shops are now closed.

Labasa and Savusavu town is now closed.

Nausori Town is also closed.

There has also been a halt to bus services in Taveuni and Savusavu.

All bus and taxi service providers in other parts around the country continue their normal operations until 5pm.

The Fiji Roads Authority has confirmed that all roads are open.

The Land Transport Authority says all public transportation including buses, taxi, mini buses and carriers to cease movement at 5pm today for public safety.

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