Cyclone Yasa intensifies to category 4 with winds of up to 200 km / h

A severe cyclone brewing in the South Pacific has intensified rapidly this afternoon, with winds of up to 200 km / h.

Forecasters say the huge storm could reach category five strength and are warning Fiji to prepare for a major weather event.

Cyclone Yasa developing between Vanuatu and Fiji has moved from category two to a severe category four cyclone, forecaster WeatherWatch said.

The storm has strengthened incredibly fast with winds between 160 km / h to 200 km / h around the center, and some gusts are expected to increase, he said.

“All eyes should be on this storm as it churns off the coast of Vanuatu and is likely to have a decent impact on parts of Fiji,” the forecaster said.

There is a moderate risk that Yasa will reach New Zealand, but only a low risk that it will still be classified as a “storm” by then, WeatherWatch said.

“It can also bring some wind, rain, and dangerous seas around Vanuatu for a while from the east.”

The cyclone is expected to hit Fiji on Thursday night or Friday morning.

At that time, it could have risen to the highest storm category – five, the meteorologist said.

“Those in Fiji should immediately start preparing for a major weather event.”

Earlier today, a second tropical cyclone, Zazu, was identified in the South Pacific.

Cyclone Zazu is tracking in the sea between Tonga and the Cook Islands and does not pose a threat to New Zealand, WeatherWatch said.

At 4 pm today, Cyclone Zazu was category one and had sustained hurricane force winds around its center.