Cyclone Tomas will bring 150-mph winds to Fiji as it moves through theisland nation on Monday.The storm is expected to pass directly over Fiji's second largest island, VanuaLevu. Its strength will be equivalent of a Category 3 or a Category 4hurricane.
A destructive storm surge of 10-15 feet is expected on the north coast of VanuaLevu.
Tomas will pass just east of the capital of Suva. But, it will still be closeenough to produce a storm surge into the city. Winds in Suva will gust to 100mph.
Vanua Levu boasts a population of over 100,000 people. Widespread disruptionsof power, drinking water and transportation are all possible.
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 Meteorologist Dave Samuhel
