By Radio New Zealand
A category one cyclone has formed just north east of Fiji and has been named Pola just after midnight by Fiji MetService.
The cyclone is travelling south and will pass between Tonga and Fiji within the next 48 hours with Tonga expected to take most of the impact.
A gale warning is in force for all of Tonga.
Fiji cyclone forecaster Stephen Meke said the system was intensifying rapidly.
“So we expect it later today to at least intensify to a category two. Though the centre is expected to lie over open waters we expect some gale force winds to possibly affect the main island of Tonga,” Mr Meke said.
RNZ Pacific will be broadcasting cyclone warnings via the Tonga MetService throughout the day as they come in.
The public is advised to monitor local radio broadcasts for the latest information and advisories.
This article is republished under Kaniva’s partnership agreement with Radio New Zealand.
