Severe Tropical Cyclone Mal was located 130 kilometers west of Kadavu at 8 am this morning.

The Nadi Weather Office confirms that TC Mal is moving in a southeast direction away from the Fiji Group at 15 knots.

While it is still a Category 3 system, it is expected to weaken to Category 2 within the next 6 to 9 hours.

As the centre is close to Kadavu, storm-to-gale force winds are likely over southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu, and nearby smaller islands.

The Weather Office also stresses that even though severe TC Mal has moved away from the western Viti Levu, gusty winds are still experienced over that side of the island.

They say this may continue for some time before it eases later this morning or afternoon.

Winds have now eased over Yasawa. Despite the expected movement of the system away from the Fiji Group, rain bands associated with the severe TC Mal may continue to affect the Group for a while.

Periods of rainfall, heavy at times are expected over most parts of the Fiji Group. Consequently, a Heavy Rain Warning continues for the whole of the Fiji Group.

A Flash Flood Warning is in force for the whole of Viti Levu, while a Flash Flood Alert is in Force for western Vanua Levu.

The next high tide is at around 7.30 pm tonight