Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has issued a Tropical Cyclone warning for Tonga Islands including the two Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai Islands.
It says that the “Tropical depression 08f centre [1000hpa] was located near 17 decimal 4 south 176 decimal 9 west or about 340km west-northwest of vavau or 245km southwest of niuafoou at 11:00pm this evening.the depression is now moving southeast at 12 km/hr.the average winds close to the centre is estimated to be about 45km/hr.it is expected to intensify further and possibly become a tropical cyclone in the next 24-30 hours.
“On this track, if the depression continues t0 intensify, it may bring damaging gale force winds over haa’pai amd vava’u.
“For haa’pai and vava’u north to northeast winds 35-45 km/h with gusts to 65km/h inreasing to 55-65km/h in the next 24-30hours. rough to very seas. periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms. heavy swells developing.flooding including sea flooding of low lying coastal areas likely.
For the rest of tonga:
“Strong northeast winds 35 to 45 km/hr with gust up to 65km/h. occasional rain and few thunderstorms, heavy at times.flooding of low lying areas possible.
Rough seas.moderate swells.
Tides:
Low tide: 03:55am
High tide: 10:15am
Mean sea level pressure at 11:40pm at fuaamotu was 1006.0
The next tropical cyclone advisory for tonga will be issued at around 6:00am tomorrow mornign or earlier.
