A strong wind warning remains in force for the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, and has now been extended to the western half of Viti Levu — from Sigatoka and the Coral Coast through Nadi to Rakiraki — as well as Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A strong wind alert is also now in effect for the rest of the country.
The Fiji Meteorological Service says Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, a Category 1 system, was located about 580 kilometres west-northwest of Yasawa at 4am today, moving south-southeast at around 9km/hr.
An associated trough of low pressure lies over Fiji, bringing cloud and rain expected to affect the group over the next few days.
For affected areas under warning, fresh to strong northeasterly winds of 30 to 45km/hr are expected, with gusts up to 70km/hr.
Elsewhere, moderate to fresh northeasterly winds, with occasional gusts, are forecast.
Authorities are also warning of rough to very rough seas across Fiji waters as the system continues to develop.
