An intensifying tropical depression is moving south-southeast at 10 knots of Tonga and could possibly become a tropical cyclone in the next six hours, the Tonga- Fua'amotu tropical cyclone warning centre says at 12:00pm Saturday 01 March 2014.
If the depression continues to intensify, the centre is expected to lie about 290km west-northwest of Nomuka or 280 km northwest of Nukualofa at 0700pm this evening.
The Centre also says a gale warning remains in force for the group. A heavy rain advisory remains inforce for all land areas. An extreme high tide advisory and a heavy damaging swells advisory remains inforce for Tonga waters.
For Vava'u,Ha'apai,Tongatapu and 'Eua the Centre warned there is a north to northeast wind 20-30 knots with momentary gust up to 35-40 knots possibly increasing to damaging winds in the next 6-12 hours.
Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. Flash flooding includind sea flooding in the low lying areas of Tonga. Rough to very rough seas and north to northeast damaging swell.
For Niua, a north to northwest winds 20-25 knots rising up to 35 knots. Overcast with period of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. Rough to very rough seas, it says.
