A Category 2 tropical cyclone near Fiji poses no threat to Samoa on its current path, says the Samoa Meteorological Service office.

The Samoa Meteorology Service Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Afaese Dr Luteru Tauvale said Tropical Cyclone Mal was no risk to Samoa.

“It is located on the west of Fiji and according to its current predicted path, it will remain on the west and if this is the case then there is no danger to Samoa,” he said. 

“We are monitoring the system because with cyclones there are times they change paths and if this happens we have to be careful.

“We will definitely be monitoring the cyclone for the next two days.”

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Mal intensified to a Category 2 storm, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service. 

The weather office said the cyclone is expected to pass close to the west of Fiji on Tuesday night local time, with the centre likely to lay approximately 170 km west of Nadi at 3 am Wednesday, local time.

It may begin to have an impact on Yasawa and Mamanuca later on Tuesday.

Forecaster Samisoni Waqavakatoga said the system is expected to reach the high end of Category 2 at its peak strength but potentially could reach Category 3 with average winds surpassing 119 kilometres per hour.

"There is a possibility it could reach category three but for now, like I said, we've just been maintaining it at the high end of category two, we're not jumping any guns here but if the environment is still favourable it could reach category three status," said Waqavakatoga.

Fiji National Disaster Management Office is advising people to follow official advisories and remain alert.

All schools are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and public servants have been instructed to work from home. The education ministry has deferred final external exams for Years 12 and 13 to next week.

Fiji’s Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the decision has been made as some students, teachers, and examination supervisors may not be able to access their schools in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Assistant police commissioner operations ACP Livai Driu is "calling for the strict supervision of children stressing, this is not the time for children to be playing outdoors or swimming".

The Fiji Roads Authority is also advising people to be vigilant and stay away from flood-prone areas.