SUVA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - A tropical cyclone was bearing down on the South Pacific island nation of Fiji on Thursday, with officials forecasting it may hit the capital Suva on Friday.

Officials have warned residents to evacuate low-lying areas as they expect flooding and damage when Cyclone Daman, with winds up to 155 kph (96 mph), hits the main island of Viti Levu.

The category 2 cyclone, currently buffeting island tourist resorts northwest of Fiji, is forecast to move across Viti Levu overnight in a southeasterly direction.

"For the whole country, expect widespread rain becoming frequent with heavy falls and squally thunderstorms. Sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected, also flooding of low-lying areas, rivers and streams," said the latest weather warning. (Reporting by Michael Perry; editing by Roger Crabb)

AlertNet news is provided by