The Fiji Meteorological Service in a Special Weather Bulletin issued at 8:42pm said Tropical Cyclone Mal was located 16.1S 175.3E, 250km West-northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara or 290km Northwest of Nadi. The storm remains a Category 2 cyclone with maximum winds of 60 knots [110km/hr], gusting to 85 knots [155km/hr]. The system may further increase to 65 knots [120km/hr, gusting to 90 knots [170km/hr] by midnight tonight or early tomorrow morning.
TC Mal is moving Southeast at 32km/hr and is forecast to be located at 6am tomorrow at 18.4S 176.5E or 120km Southwest of Nadi or 220km South-southwest of Yasawa-i-Rara.
At 6pm tomorrow it is expected to be located at 20.7S 177.6E or 200km South-southwest of Kadavu or 330km South of Nadi.
At 6am on Thursday, TC Mal is expected to be located at 22.8S 178.6E or 360km Southwest of Ono-i-Lau or 420km South of Kadavu and at 6pm on Thursday to be at 24.8S 179.9E, and weaken.
CAUTION: Damaging winds and cyclone impacts could begin several hours prior to the cyclone center passes over or nearby. Thus, secure your homes and properties and know your evacuation centers.
