All vessels in Vanuatu have been ordered to stay in port and people in Fiji are being warned not to go to sea this week as Cyclone Pam moves closer to the islands.
Fiji's Met Service tracking Cyclone Pam Photo: FMS
The cyclone developed in eastern Solomon Islands and is moving in a southeasterly direction to waters between Vanuatu and Fiji.
The category one cyclone was situated about 280 kilometres northnortheast of Anuta early this morning.
The east of Solomon Islands is being warned to expect heavy rain, gales and high seas in the next 24 hours.
Although the weather is reportedly calm in Port Vila, sailings from the town and from Luganville in Santo are on hold until further notice.
People in Fiji are being warned not to go to sea this week as Pam moves closer to their islands.
Fiji's weather authorities say the system does not pose a direct threat to Fiji but from tomorrow until Friday there will be heavy rain and thunderstorms as well as moderate to rough seas.
People in flood prone areas are also being warned of flash flooding.
Pam is expected to lie about 1200 kilometres northwest of Nadi this afternoon.