Cyclone Yasa: Fiji prepares for category 5 storm as Tonga braces for Zazu

Evacuations ordered in Fiji as Yasa strengthens into a category five system with winds of up to 270km/h

Twin cyclones are bearing down on Pacific islands, with Fiji’s main island likely to be directly hit by a category five storm for the second time this year.

Tonga and Fiji were bracing for potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines on Wednesday.

Related: Cyclone Harold batters Fiji on path of destruction through Pacific

#FijiNewsSevere Tropical Cyclone Yasa has been upgraded to a Category 5 system. #veilomani pic.twitter.com/oYaU7s623u

TC Yasa UpdateAt 3⃣am today, Yasa has further intensified further into a category 5⃣ system while remaining north-northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara. TC Yasa is slow moving east-northeast at 4 knots or 6 km/hr. ⬇️The threat map and track map of TC Yasa[cat 5⃣] issued this morning. pic.twitter.com/d1MppRcHpf

#TCYasa is projected to move towards Fiji from tomorrow. Every Fijian should prepare now for heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal inundation, and flooding across the country. I urge communities to use this time to take steps to keep your homes and communities safe. pic.twitter.com/aAbw3J2OlS

Related: The Vanuatu island in the eye of the storm