A rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone in the Pacific could reach maximum category five strength within two days, with gusts of almost 300km/h.
The Fiji Meteorological Service says Cyclone Pam is at category one, with winds at the centre up to 85km/h.
The cyclone was about 1200km northwest of Nadi at 7am (AEST) and moving south-southeast at 10km/h.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre puts the storm at category five by 1pm (AEST) on Thursday, with sustained winds of 240km/h and gusts to 295km/h, in an area of ocean more than 600km off the nearest Vanuatu island.
The FMS predicts Pam will pass between Vanuatu and Fiji. It expects the storm will have no direct impact on the Fiji coast, but its possible movement is unclear.
The FMS suggests Pam could go anywhere in an arc more than 800km wide by Thursday night, which means Pam could cross the Vanuatu coast or push towards Nadi.
FMS acting director Aminiasi Tuidraki says Fijians can expect rain, heavy at times, strong winds and rough seas between Wednesday and Friday.
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