The tropical cyclone warning for Niuatoputapu and Vavaʻu now includes Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua while a strong wind alert is in force for Niuafoʻou, says the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 7.00am Friday 1, 2016 on its cyclone advisory number three.
Tropical Cyclone Ula is now upgraded to category two and it has an estimated wind of 115km/hr near its centre and is currently moving West/Southwest at a speed of 15km/hr.
On its current track, Cyclone Ula is expected to lie very close to Vavaʻu around midnight tonight.
A storm warning is now inforce for Vavaʻu.
A gale warning is now inforce for Niuatoputapu, Haʻapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A strong wind warning remains inforce for Niuafoʻou.
Situation:
Tropical Cyclone Ula was located 15 decimal 9 South, 169 decimal 6 West or 450km East of Niuatoputpau or 560km East-Northeast of Vavaʻu at 04:00am this morning.
For Vavaʻu:
East to South East winds 75-80km/hr, increasing to 95-100km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.
Cloudy with occasional showers, gradually becoming overcast with rain heavy at times with possible isolated thunderstorms. High to very high seas.a heavy East to Southeast swell.
For Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:
East to Southeast winds 65-70km/hr, increasing to 75-80km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible heavy at times. Very rough to high seas. A moderate to heavy East to Southeast swell.
For Niuafo’ou:
East winds 45km/hr-55km/hr, increasing to 65-70km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible heavy at times. Rough to very rough seas. A moderate to heavy east to Southeast swell.
Tide predictions:
High tide : 12:45pm
Low tide : 07:00pm
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua’amotu at 07:30am was 1008.2 Millibars and the relative humidity was 85% the next tropical cyclone advisory for tonga will be issued at 10:00am this morning.
