Tropical Cyclone Evan has intensified from a category four system as it heads towards Fiji.

Damaging winds and storm surges are predicted to begin affecting the group of islands from this afternoon.

The centre of Tropical Cyclone Evan is generating wind speeds of 165 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 230 kilometres per hour.

But Fiji's meteorological service says, on its current path, the eye should skirt just to the north of the group of islands.

Residents are still being urged to take precautions because the nation will experience destructive winds and damaging swells.

Evan may also change course and intensify to a category five.

Military leader Voreqe Bainimarama told the nation of about 900,000 to take action now.

"I cannot stress enough how serious this is. Every Fijian will be affected but we must take preventative steps now," he said.

"Because this is the festive season I ask you to consider cancelling social events and to act responsibly, all of us need a clear mind for what is bearing down on us."

People are being urged to stock up on food, fuel and medicine, refrain from unnecessary travel and move from low-lying areas.

Schools are being converted into evacuation centres and the police and military are on standby.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has sent emergency personnel to Samoa to help authorities with the recovery from Cyclone Evan.

At least four people were killed when the cyclone devastated the Pacific island nation last week.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr says the cyclone has had a massive impact on Samoa, and Australia has also offered help to Fiji.

"We're now looking at the possibility of it reaching Fiji and we've offered support to the Fijian government, and this offer's been warmly received," he said.

"We're going to work with other nations including New Zealand and France, in doing what we can to save lives, and support search and rescue."

Senator Carr says Australia has a responsibility to help neighbouring countries in need, and is offering financial aid as well as expert personnel and supplies.

"We're the biggest aid donors to the region, we have a special responsibility for the Pacific and our hearts go out to the people of Samoa, caught in the wake of what has been a devastating cyclone," he said.

"We're working with the government very closely on the delivery of this immediate aid, and looking at what we can do subsequently when it comes to reconstruction."