Tropical Cyclone Neil (Cat.1) is expected to pass directly over Tonga tonight, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts up to 55 knots (101km/hr) in Ha'apai and Tongatapu. The Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 8:00pm tonight, Saturday, February 9, stated that a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory is now in force for all of Tonga.
Warnings for land areas and coastal waters:
A storm warning is now in force for all of Tonga land areas and coastal waters.
A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory is now in force for all of Tonga.
A heavy damaging swell warning remains in force for all of Tonga coastal waters.
Situation:
Tropical Cyclone Neil Category 1 (previously TD07F) was located near latitude 17.6 South, 175.2 west or 175km northwest of Vava'u or 260km North northwest of Ha'apai at 07:00pm this evening. This system is moving southeast at the speed of 18 knots (35km/hr). The maximum 10 minutes average winds near the center is about 35-40 knots (64-75 km/hr) with momentary gusts up to 55 knots (101km/hr). On its current track Tropical Cyclone Neil's center is expected to lie nearest to Vava'u at about 80km west at 1:00am tomorrow morning and crossing over Ha'apai at 4:00am tomorrow morning. Associated clouds, heavy rain, gale to storm force winds is expected to affect the group.,
For the Niuas:
North to northwest winds 25-35 knots (37-64km/hr), with momentary gusts of up to 55 knots (101km/hr) at times tonight. Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy falls with isolated thunderstorms. Rough to very rough seas. A heavy damaging northwesterly swell.
Possible flash floods and sea flooding in low lying areas.
For Ha'apai and Vava'u:
North to northwest winds 20-30 knots (37-55km/hr), gradually increasing to 35-40 knots (64-75km/hr) with momentary gusts of up to 55 knots (101km/hr) starting tonight. Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy falls with isolated thunderstorms. Rough to very rough seas. A heavy damaging northwesterly swell. possible flash floods and sea flooding in low lying areas.
For Tongatapu and 'Eua:
North to northwest winds 15-20 knots (27-37 km/hr), gradually increasing to 35-40 knots (64-75km/hr) with momentary gusts of up to 55 knots (101km/hr) by early tomorrow morning.
Cloudy periods with occasional rain, developing for tomorrow morning, heavy at times. rough to very rough seas. A heavy damaging northwesterly swell.
Possible flash floods and sea flooding in low lying areas.
Tide prediction:
High tide: 10:50pm
Low tide: 05:00am Sunday morning,
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 08:00pm was 1003.8 millibars and the relative humidity was 94%. The next tropical cyclone advisory for tonga will be issued at about 11:00pm tonight.
