Cyclone Rita is now a severe category three storm.
Early this morning, Cyclone Rita was located about 300km east of Vanuatu's northern island of Sola.
The storm is moving in a southeasterly direction, packing sustained winds of 130km/hr, gusting up to 160km/hr.
Satellite image of Cyclone Rita, north of Vanuatu Photo: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Dept
The National Disaster Management Office in Port Vila has issued a Red Alert for Torba and a Yellow Alert for Penama and Sanma provinces.
People have been advised not to go out on the water as very rough to phenomenal seas are expected over northern waters.
Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding over low lying areas, river banks and coastal flooding is also expected to affect the provinces.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department projects Cyclone Rita will weaken by tonight.