Cyclone Ana, the first of 2021 for the region, has formed to the northwest of Fiji this morning.
The cyclone was about 350km northwest of Nadi early this morning and is moving southeast at 20km/hr with an expectation it will make landfall over Fiji on Sunday.
At this stage the cyclone is a category one storm bringing gusts up to 90 km/hr but it is not expected to strengthen further.
However weather authorities have warned that Fijians should prepare for heavy rain, flooding and possible damaging winds.
The Fiji Meteorological Service said impacts would include minor damage to weak structures or houses made with light materials in exposed communities as well as damage to crops, vegetation and trees.
People have been advised to stay away from streams, rivers and waterways and the government has asked people to move animals to higher ground, park machinery or vehicles away from trees and buildings, store and tie down loose items and to secure their homes.
Yesterday schools in Fiji were closed in preparation for the possible use of the buildings as evacuation centres.
In December Fiji was hit by the Category Five Cyclone Yasa which left four people dead, thousands homeless and caused devastation parts of Vanua Levu.
