Tropical storm battering Fiji

Couples took the risk of the flooded Vaileka town plains for their shopping. Photo / supplied

A temporary suspension of flights to Fiji has been lifted but a state of emergency remains in place as strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain continue to batter the island nation.

Severe weather pounded Fiji over the weekend, causing flash floods that left four people dead and three missing, forced thousands to evacuate their homes, and cut power and water supplies.

No New Zealanders were believed to have been injured or at serious risk.

Reports today said the rain had stopped and rivers had receded, but the country was now preparing to be hit by a cyclone tonight.

Tropical cyclone Daphne was expected to pass 500km southwest of Fiji this evening, bringing with it more rain and strong winds.

A tropical cyclone warning is in place and gale warnings are in force for western Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, southern Lau, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

The bad weather was expected to peak at midnight tonight and gradually improve through Wednesday.

Tourism Fiji today said international passenger flights to Fiji had resumed but a state of emergency remained in place.

It warned international visitors that while every effort was being made to minimise inconveniences, services and transportation were not yet back to normal.

Damaged roads between Nadi and other parts of the country had reopened, but passengers were advised to check directly with hotels to ensure accommodation availability.

Domestic air services between Suva and Nadi were operating, but services to the outer islands including Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Savusavu have been cancelled.

On the water, interisland cruise and ferry services to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands were operating on a limited basis to transport guests to Nadi and the airport.

Despite strained resources, hotels and resorts were continuing to provide services to their guests and there were no reports of damage to any major hotel or resort.

Prime Minister John Key today said New Zealand was ready and waiting to help Fiji but he was yet to receive a formal request.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was watching the situation closely, but had not yet been asked for support.

"New Zealand stands ready to give that support. It's obviously a serious situation, and we see the storm's getting slightly worse,'' he said.

Mr Key said more than 400 New Zealanders were registered in Fiji, and the major concern centred around them.

"We obviously have those military assets available if we need them, but it's not likely we're going to need them at this point,'' Mr Key said.

In previous similar situations with Fiji, New Zealand had supported the country through the Red Cross with donations, and Mr Key said that was likely to be the case again if help was requested.