Residents in Fiji sheltered in evacuation centres as Tropical Cyclone Tino took aim at the Pacific island nation on Friday.

The Fiji Meteorological Service said the cyclone strengthened as it headed for Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu.

RSMC Nadi named Tropical Cyclone Tino early this morning. Radar shows heavy rain moving into Vanua Levu ahead of cyclone passage this evening, then on to Tonga tomorrow. Latest track map via: https://t.co/pBl1merkRT pic.twitter.com/1KWz3EON4H — Chris Noble (@chrisnoble_nz) January 16, 2020

"We have told them to be prepared, the Ministry of Education has shut down all schools, the evacuation centres are open as well. So everyone, they are aware that there's a system around," forecaster Stephen Meke told Radio New Zealand.

Tropical Cyclone Tino has caused some damages in Rotuma. This pictures from Noa'tau Community in Rotuma...@FijiOneNews pic.twitter.com/ibtDBzxv8P — Fiji One News (@FijiOneNews) January 17, 2020

Wind gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour (81mph) were forecast with warnings of heavy rain, coastal flooding and flash flooding in low lying areas.

Fiji Meteorological Service

Fiji Airways said it has cancelled several regional fights while adjusting the times of some international services.

Twitter/@TCAPforTu8

Although the Pacific islands are popular tourist destinations in summer it is also the cyclone season, and Fiji is being targeted for the second time in three weeks.

Fiji Meteorological Service

Just after Christmas, Tropical Cyclone Sarai left two people dead and more than 2,500 needing emergency shelter as it damaged houses, crops and trees and cut electricity supplies.

Tropical Cyclone Tino, the first cylone in Tuvalu in 2020, now enforce. Storm surges plays on the reclaim land "QE II Park". The reclaim land reduces the risk of waves reaching ashore. Most of the road are blocked by big stones brought by waves ashore pic.twitter.com/Xp2xP16ZMA — TCAP4Tuvalu (@TCAPforTu8) January 17, 2020

On its present track, Tino would hit Tongatapu, the main island of neighbouring Tonga, on the weekend.

Two years ago, Tongatapu was hit by Cyclone Gina, with two people killed and nearly 200 houses destroyed.

Tonga Meterological Service

Additional reporting: AFP