Tropical Cyclone Yasa has this afternoon been upgraded to a category two system. [File Photo]

Tropical Cyclone Yasa has this afternoon upgraded to a category two system.

Nadi Weather Office Director Terry Atalifo confirms the system has gained strength over the course of the day and will intensify further as it nears Fiji.

“The weather for Fiji from Wednesday, we expect it to start deteriorating. Showers will increase to rain, we expect winds to be strong and as the system draws closer on Thursday and Friday it will be a category three and most probably a four on Friday. “

Tropical Cyclone Yasa may cause destruction over parts of Fiji by Thursday.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says the system, forecast to intensify to a category three may cause widespread power failures, blow away roofs and cause considerable damage to structures – especially weak-structured houses.

It says damaging winds can also uproot big trees and cause total damage to shallow-rooted plants and crops.

“The extent of damaging and most probably destructive winds is going to affect Yasawa and Mamanuca, Western half of Viti Levu, Western half of Vanua Levu, the Lomaitivi Group and Kadavu too as it tracks Eastwards.”

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will bring continuous heavy rain over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group by Wednesday before gradually spreading to the rest of Fiji a day later.

The Fiji Meteorological Service confirms the heavy rain will persist through to Saturday and there is a risk of river flooding and flash flooding in flood-prone areas.

With the ground already saturated, there is also the risk of landslides.

The system will complete making the loop later tomorrow before taking a south-southeast movement towards Fiji.

High waves of about 3 metres are expected over Yasawa and Mamanuca waters from tomorrow.

From Wednesday, expect high waves more than 5 metres over southwest Viti Levu waters, Yasawa and Mamanuca waters and Kadavu Passage.

These high wave poses risk of coastal flooding.

Sea conditions will also be hazardous for sailing and any other ocean activities.

The Fiji Group can expect the heavy rain to persist into Saturday and gradually start easing from Sunday.

Meanwhile, a second – weaker tropical cyclone has formed in the region.

TC Zazu was also named by the Nadi Weather Office this afternoon.

The system is a weak category one at the moment and poses no direct threat to Fiji.