Ratu Finau Secondary School has been prepared as an evacuation centre as strong winds continue to sweep across Lakeba.

Residents of Mago Island are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds as Tropical Cyclone Rae continues to impact the region.

Tropical Cyclone Rae has further intensified into a category two cyclone.

The Northern Division is currently experiencing mostly rain and winds from last night through to this morning.

The Fiji Meteorological Service anticipates tropical depression 09F to intensify into a category one tropical cyclone when it enters the Fiji waters from the later part of this evening.

Fijians have been urged to prepare themselves as tropical depression 09F is expected to intensify into a Category 1 tropical cyclone later this evening.

A gale warning is now in force for the eastern parts of Vanua Levu, Cikobia, Naqele Levu, Taveuni and northern Lau group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for land areas of the Northern Division, Northeastern parts of Viti Levu as well Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau, and the Lomaiviti groups.

Preparedness is key as a low-pressure system moves toward Fiji, triggering a heavy rain alert for the Northern Division and Yasawa Group.

The Fiji Metrological Office has issued a special weather bulletin.

A heavy rain alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji Group.

A Central Division Emergency Operation Center has been activated while a team is also monitoring the situation in the Western division in light of the heavy rainfall experienced in certain parts of the country.