The Nadi Weather Office has confirmed that Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Ella is now located far East North East of Vanuabalavu and continues to move towards Fiji.
Nadi Weather Office Forecaster Stephen Meke says the centre of the cyclone is 615 kilometres East North East of Vanuabalavu.
Ella is is currently moving at 10 kilometres per hour.
Based on current analysis after the assessment of the models by the Weather Office, Tropical Cyclone Ella will affect Fiji from later tomorrow and Friday.
A strong wind warning remains in force for all Fiji waters.
Meke says based on their assessment, the people of the country need to prepare for the possibility of a category 2 or 3 cyclone to come towards Fiji by late tomorrow or Friday.
He says Cyclone Ella is expected to come with a lot of heavy rain and destructive winds.
If it does happen then it is expected to affect many parts of the country.
People should expect heavy rain and flash flooding in the low lying areas.
River flooding is also expected.
Meke says people should prepare for the worst and it would be good news if Cyclone Ella changes its track.
Muamua, Vanuabalavu (09/05/17). Photo: Atelaite Cama
However he says the models are still suggesting that it will intensify and head towards the Fiji group.
A category 2 cyclone can cause significant damage to signs and trees, and heavy damage to some crops.
There can be a risk of power failure.
Small craft may break moorings.
A category 2 cyclone's strongest winds are destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 125 to 164 kilometres per hour.
A category 3 cyclone can cause roof and structural damage.
Power failures are likely.
A category 3 cyclone's strongest winds are very destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 165 to 224 kilometres per hour.
The Weather Office is continuing to monitor Cyclone Ella.
Stay with us for developments on whether it will affect us directly.
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