The Fiji Meteorological Service says Tropical Cyclone Sarai is now a Category two storm as it moves down Fiji's west coast.
Tropical Cyclone Sarai is intensifying.
TC Sarai forecast track map Photo: Fiji Met
At 4pm Fiji time today, the centre was located 230 kilometres north-west of Nadi with wind gusts of upto 130 kilometres an hour.
The cyclone is moving south but will turn south-east, and on its forecast track will pass adjacent to the main island Viti Levu and then across Fiji's southern islands, before heading towards Tonga's Ha'apai Group.
Tonga's Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has been activated as Tropical Cyclone Sarai is expected to cross into Tonga waters this weekend.
The Cyclone Warning Centre will continue to provide Tropical Cyclone Advisories, Alerts and Warnings for Tonga on the developments of Tropical Cyclone Sarai every six hours, advisories will be updated more often prior to its track closing into Tonga waters.
ISSUED FROM THE FUA'AMOTU TROPICAL CYCLONE WARN...https://t.co/EekdjObXRP pic.twitter.com/XAu40YLdQY
— Tonga Portal (@tongaportal) December 27, 2019
Fiji National University has closed all campuses because of the storm and the Fiji Red Cross has implemented disaster preparedness plans.
The FRCS team with the support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are now conducting their disaster preparedness plans as the team gears up for the unexpected weather conditions that is currently affecting the Fiji Group.
— Fiji Red Cross Society (@FijiRedCross) December 26, 2019
#BePrepared pic.twitter.com/j7hZsyiCGZ
Large trees are reported to have been brought down in the Suva area blocking roads and flooding in the Northern Division and Rakiraki have caused road closures.
Travellers to, from and within Fiji should contact airlines or shipping companies to confirm details as there have been cancellations.
Forecasters say the storm is also threatening prolonged periods of rain and flooding in low lying areas.
Situation Report 05#TCSarai #FijiNews pic.twitter.com/rClDbvQbv1
— Fiji National Disaster Management Office (@FijiNDMO) December 27, 2019
Move to higher ground
Fiji's disaster office is advising people living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as Tropical Cyclone Sarai intensifies.
It said all regional agencies are on stand-by to respond where and as necessary.
The office said heavy rain may lead to flooding of low-lying areas and coastal sea-flooding is expected during high tides.
The office is advising people in these at-risk areas to move to higher ground or local evacuation centres.
There are currently 63 people at evacuation points in Tokou Village in Ovalau, Matawalu Church in Lautoka and Marata Hall in Wailoku.
Multiple fallen trees blocking the roadway at Colo-i-Suva. Photo: Fiji Roads Authority
