A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Tonga.
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre said at 2.30pm today Monday 4 a gale alert is now in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A strong wind warning is now in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, it said.
A heavy damaging swells is now in force for Vavau, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua coastal waters.
A heavy rain warning is now in force for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u
Situation:
Tropical depression 15f was located near 19.4south and 176.8. east or about 890km west-northwest of Nuku’alofa at 10:00am this morning. the system is moving southeast at about 26km/hr(14knots).
On its current track, the system is expected to lie about 550km northwest of Nuku’alofa or 570km west of Nomuka at about midnight tonight.
Near its centre, the system is estimated to have an average winds speed of 37-46km/hr(20-25knots) and probably increasing to tropical cyclone strength 65-74km/h(35-40) knots) in the next 18-24 hours.
For Vavau, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:
Expect east to northeast strong force winds with average speed of 46-56km/hr(25-30knots) from tonight probably increasing to 65-74km/h(35-40 knots) in the next 18-24hrs.
Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.
Rough seas becoming very rough to high seas tomorrow.
A heavy damaging swells developing tomorrow and possible flash flooding, including seas flooding in low lying areas.
For Niuas:
East to northeast winds 10-15 knots. Occasional showers, heavy at times.
Slight to moderate seas.
Tide predictions:
High tide : 04:40pm
Low tide : 11:00pm
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fu’aamotu airport at 2:00pm was 1011.6 millibars and the relative humidity was 77%.
