Families from the Jittu Estate informal settlement in Raiwaqa, Suva have taken shelter at the Vishnu Deo Memorial School along Grantham Road.

Families say they were reluctant to move until late last night when the winds started to intensify.

Resident Isoa Daveta says after seeing the severity of the winds they contacted police to help them move to the evacuation centre.

Daveta says strong winds blew the roofs off some houses last night.

The residents are being monitored by police to avoid children from going outdoors.