Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston bears down on Fiji

Fiji is being lashed by one of the strongest tropical cylones ever recorded in the southern hemisphere.

Flights to and from Fiji are being cancelled or brought forward as tropical cyclone Winston bears down on the Pacific island group.

Winston, which has intensified to a category-five storm, has already lashed Tonga and is reportedly affecting eastern areas of Fiji.

Winston, which has intensified to a category-five storm, has already lashed Tonga and is reportedly affecting eastern areas of Fiji. Photo: The Weather Boy

Fijian forecasters are reporting that the cyclone, which is now being regarded as one of the biggest cyclones in the world with winds of 220km/h and gusts of up to 315km/h, could bring widespread devastation.

"The potential for devastation is high and there is a very real risk that people will lose their lives," Neville Koop from the Na Draki Weather Service in Suva warned.

The storm is forecast to hit the more populated western islands over the weekend.

Terrified holiday makers are taking refuge in resorts across the country as the cyclone lashes the popular tourist region.

Many on the island say they had almost no official warning, they were alerted to the impending storm by reports on social media.

Now tourists and residents are stranded as flights are cancelled because it's simply too dangerous to fly during the extreme conditions.

Fijian Prime Minister, J.V Bainimarama released the following statement: "Tropical Cyclone Winston has begun its assault on Fiji. It is being described as one of the powerful in recorded history - a Category 5 cyclone with winds approaching 300 kilometres an hour. As a nation, we are facing an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We must stick together as a people and look after each other. Be alert and be prepared."

"I urge you all, if you haven’t already done so, to finalise your own preparations to survive this terrible event. We cannot afford to be complacent. And I am especially concerned that some people in urban areas of the country in particular do not appear to have heeded the warnings about the seriousness of the threat we all face."

At 9am AEDT the storm was about 320km east-northeast of the capital Suva, travelling at 25km/h.

The storm is carrying average winds of 220km/h, with gusts of up to 315km/h recorded, according to Fiji's Meteorological Service.

It has warned locals in the nation's east to "expect very destructive, hurricane-force winds" amid forecasts of flooding.

"Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby," the Fiji-based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre said.

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The storm is carrying average winds of 220km/h, with gusts of up to 315km/h recorded, according to Fiji's Meteorological Service. Photo: pipsheehan/Instagram

Hurricane warnings have been issued for Vanuabalavu, Yacata, Mago, Cica, Tuvuca, Nayau, Koro, Gau, Vanuavatu, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala, Ovalau, Wakaya and the southern half of Vanua Levu.

Storm warnings are in place for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Ogea, Moala, the rest of Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Viti Levu, Yasawa and the Mamanuca group.

Fijian forecasters are reporting that the cyclone, which is carrying winds of 220km/h and gusts of up to 315km/h, could bring widespread devastation. Photo: YouTube

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising passengers travelling to and from Fiji to contact their respective airlines.

"Tropical Cyclone Winston is likely to significantly affect Fiji, including the capital Suva, over the coming days," the department said.

"You should expect high winds, heavy rains and storm surges in coastal areas."

Virgin Australia has cancelled all flights to and from Nadi this weekend. Photo: AAP

Virgin Australia has cancelled all flights to and from Nadi this weekend, affecting a total of 12 flights departing or arriving at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Flights on Monday are being reviewed with a decision likely to be made early on Monday morning.

"Our team of meteorologists and safety experts have been closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Winston and have determined that conditions are not suitable for flying in or out of Nadi, Fiji," a statement from the airline said.

"Affected guests, including guests scheduled to travel to Nadi on Monday, have the option of switching their date of travel or destination with change fees waived or receiving a full travel credit."

The potential for devastation is high, warns local experts. Photo: manisharaniga/Instagram

Jetstar has also cancelled all of its services to Fiji this weekend.

A return service from the Gold Coast on Saturday and a Sydney-Fiji return service on Sunday are the affected flights.

Local carrier Fiji Airways, which codeshares with Qantas, has cancelled several inter-island flights while all flights from Australia on Saturday have been cancelled.

Fiji Airways flight 915 from Nadi to Sydney has been cancelled while flight FJ923 to Brisbane has been brought forward by eight hours.

Passengers travelling to Melbourne from Nadi on Fiji Airways have also had their flight advanced by six hours.

A Qantas charter service from Honiara in the Solomon Islands to Nadi on Saturday night has been cancelled, as has the subsequent return service from Nadi to Honiara.

News break – February 20