Forecasters have again upgraded the top wind velocity of Cyclone Meena as it picks up speed heading towards the Cook Islands' capital.
The Fiji Met Service says the storm is hundreds of kilometres wide and is carrying winds up to 250 kilometres an hour.
It's warning destructive hurricane-force winds will hit Rarotonga and Mangaia this evening, with momentary gusts of 260 kilometres an hour.
Phenomenal seas are expected to cause flooding of coastal areas in Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Mangaia and Mauke as the cyclone approaches tonight.
