Thousands flee Cyclone Thomas in Fiji

chris2007

A powerful cyclone is battering Fiji's northern islands, damaging homes and crops and forcing thousands of people to flee to evacuation centres.

Cyclone Tomas is classified as a category-four cyclone - the second-most destructive on a five-point scale. Its winds are averaging up to 175km/h, the Fiji Meteorological Service said.

There were no early reports of casualties, although officials confirmed a woman drowned over the weekend in stormy seas as the cyclone approached.

The cyclone was reported to be generating waves up to 7.2 metres high and ships and boats were warned away from the area.

It is expected to intensify later today and early tomorrow, with average wind speeds rising to 200km/h and gusts of up to 270km/h.

Communications have been lost with most of the smaller islands near the eye of the cyclone.

The storm is expected to be the most powerful to hit Fiji in recent years.

DrIndy

Cyclone Uliu is floating about the coral sea and will probably head for Queensland over the next few days. Going to be interesting times!