Cyclone Evan and Nadi town

from w
a map on facebook:

A message from a relative in Nadi was that the wind was rising and people were told to go upstairs, whatever that means where she is staying. It seems that the cyclone is close to the western towns, though at first I thought the media and govt were beating up the story and the cyclone was mainly out to sea.




(Later - Tuesday morning:  a message from Labasa: We experienced very strong winds for more 12 hours from mid night till mid day. Not much rain in Labasa. At tuatua just banana plant and  uto branches for uto fell. Power cut and its on now. No water cut.)  (Later again - the phones in Nadi are on - it is now Tuesday afternoon but our relatives says no power and no water in the hotel room.)

Here's what Fiji Village reported:

Hurricane force winds battering Nadi

Publish date/time: 17/12/2012 [15:10] Print this page Email this page Tropical Cyclone Evan has now moved closer to Nadi. The Nadi Weather Office said the centre of the category 4 cyclone is currently 65 kilometres North North East of Nadi. Hurricane force winds amounting to 190 kilometres per hour gusting to 270 kilometres per hour are being experienced in Lautoka from the last hour.  As highlighted earlier on Fijivillage, this will continue until tonight. Nadi will start getting hurricane force winds from this hour.  This will continue until tonight. For people living in Sigatoka, please be advised that you will start getting hurricane force winds from 5.30pm today.  This will also continue until tonight. Storm force winds are now being experienced in Rakiraki, Tavua and Ba.  These areas will get winds averaging 100 kilometres per hour gusting to 140 kilometres per hour. A gale warning remains in force for Cikobia, Taveuni, the rest of Vanua Levu, and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti, the Central Division including Suva and nearby smaller islands, Kadavu, Beqa and Vatulele. A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Fiji.  Sea and river flooding is expected from later today and this will be severe. Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 270 kilometres per hour. Due to the category 4 status of Cyclone Evan, the system is expected to affect many land areas. Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.