In a Special Weather Bulletin Number 12 issued at 11:29am today, the Fiji Meteorological Service has upgraded Tropical Cyclone Mal to a Category 2 storm.
TC Mal was located at 14.1S 173.9E, 490km Northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara or 560km Northwest of Nadi with winds of 50 knots [95km/hr, gusting to 70 knots [130km/hr] and will continue to increase.
It is moving South-Southeast at 22km/hr.
It is forecast in the next 12hr or 9pm tonight to be located at 16.7S 175.3E or 240km West of Yasawa-i-Rara or 260km West-northwest of Nadi.
In the next 24hr or 9am Wednesday, TC Mal is expected to be located at 19.2S 176.5E or 190km South-southwest of Nadi or 180km West of Kadavu.
In the next 36hr or at 9pm on Wednesday, it is expected to be located at 21.3S 177.5E or 270km Southwest of Kadavu or 310km East of Conway Reef.
In the next 48hr or 9am on Thursday, it is expected to be located at 23.4S 178.6E or 440km East-southeast of Conway Reef or 410km Southwest of Ono-i-Lau.
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.
