With many areas around Fiji experiencing power blackouts as tropical cyclone Evan's intensity strengthened Monday, families were bracing themselves for the worst, according to reports Monday.

This was as a hurricane warning remained in force for the Fiji' s Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands and a storm warning remained in force for Fiji's western division and nearby smaller islands as well as the northern division.

A strong wind warning remained in force for many other places of Fiji, causing businesses to close and employers to advise workers to remain at home for safety. A damaging heavy swell warning also remained in force.

Evan, which was still a category 4 cyclone, was located about 115 km west of Labasa town and about 185 km north-northeast of the resort town of Nadi at 6.30 a.m. local time, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service. It was moving southwest at about 22 km per hour.

Close to its center, the cyclone is expected to have average winds of up to 185 km per hour with momentary gusts to 270 km per hour.

The center of Evan is projected to move over the Yasawa and Mamanuca group of islands around midday Monday, said the Fiji Meteorological Service.

Duty forecaster Terry Atalifo told local radio station Fijivillage that when Evan moves closer to the Yasawa and Mamanuca group of islands, destructive winds will begin and people need to be prepared.

The Yasawa group will be feeling the strongest effect of Evan but people in other parts should be prepared as the tropical cyclone is a large system and is expected to maintain its current intensity till Tuesday.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has underscored that people need to be prepared for sea flooding and that swimming is not allowed in the sea for those in coastal areas.

Damaging heavy waves and swells generated by the combined effects of Evan and an intense area of high pressure to the far south of Fiji are still expected. The capital city of Suva and nearby towns continued to experience strengthening winds and increasing rain.

Significant roofing loss, structural damages and widespread power failure as well as water supplies cut are expected from this Category 4 cyclone. Endi