SUVA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Severe tropical cyclone Harold has upgraded to a Category 5 system on Monday, and is expected to hit Fiji soon.
At 3:00 a.m. local time, tropical cyclone Harold was located approximately 1,270 km west-northwest of Nadi, Fiji's third largest city on Viti Levu, the main island on Fiji. On this track to pass on the southwest of Fiji by Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds near the center close to about 200 km per hour.
As the cyclone moves closer to Fiji, the associated rain bands with northerly windy conditions can be expected from Tuesday onwards before the center passes on Wednesday.
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the western half of Viti Levu. Fiji Roads Authority said Monday heavy rain on Sunday caused landslides and some road closures.
For the South Pacific island nations including Fiji, the tropical cyclone season extends between Nov. 1 and April 30 each year and the peak period for cyclone is usually from January to March. During this season, Fiji has been hit by several tropical cyclones.
