Image Credit: Naval Research Lab MontereyDevastating wind gusts to at least 160 mph have been hammering eastern Fijias Cyclone Tomas storms through the archipelago on Monday.The storm's eye, with winds between Category 3 and 4 whirling about it, hasalready clipped the eastern tip of Vanua Levu, one of two main Fijian islands.
One of the smaller islands that has been slammed head-on is Rabi, off easternVanua, with nearby Taveuni next in line.
Vanua Levu boasts a population of over 100,000 people. Serious disruptions ofpower and transportation will take place.
Along with winds well above 100 mph, the storm's wrath was manifest in stormtides of 10 to 15 feet above normal along and near the eye path.
Magnifying the storm's destructive potential has been its sluggish forwardmovement, which has been only about 5 mph towards the south, which means thatthe worst of the storm's wind, wave and rain have all been prolonged.
The nation's biggest and most populous island, Viti Levu, has braced for severewind and rain, but not a potentially devastating direct blow by Tomas.
Nevertheless, the capital, Suva, was awaiting damaging winds and torrentialrain.
Owing to the storm's sluggish forward motion, extreme winds and waves willpersist into Monday night and early Tuesday morning, EDT, over the southernreaches of the archipelago southeast of Viti Levu.
After leaving Fiji, Tomas will accelerate southward at least as weakeningbegins in earnest.
The Associated Press reported that thousands of Fiji residents have alreadybeen forced to flee to evacuation shelters. A mandatory nighttime curfew hasbeen enforced by officials in Suva where schools have been closed throughThursday.
This will be the second and strongest cyclone to affect Fiji this season. InDecember, Cyclone Mick struck Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. Mick was blamedfor several deaths and significant damage.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologists Dave Samuhel and Jim Andrews
