Heavy rain causes first day of school cancellations [1]
Monday, January 29, 2018 - 19:32. Updated on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 09:20.
The heaviest rain dumped in Tongatapu over a 24-hour period so far this year was recorded today with the island receiving more than half of the month’s average rainfall.
Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting Centre recorded from 10:00am January 28 to the same time today rainfall of 119mm at Fua’amotu and 156mm in Nuku’alofa.
This heavy rain system, which is mainly affecting Tongatapu and ‘Eua, has caused the cancellation of the first day for all Government schools, which were to start today, but rain flooded roads and homes in low-lying areas.
Rain recorded from 10am January 28 to 10am January 29:
- Fua'amotu: 119mm
- Nuku'alofa: 156mm
- Ha'apai: 49mm
- Vava'u: 7mm.
Average January rainfall:
- Fua'amotu: 215mm
- Nuku'alofa: 184mm
- Vava'u: 244mm
- Ha'apai: 177mm
The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in Fua'amotu stands at 180mm on January 9, 2003.
The highest 24-hour rainfall in Nuku’alofa for January last year of 8.4mm was recorded on the 29th with the total January 2017 rainfall at 30.4mm.
Advisory
Meanwhile, a strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua this afternoon.
This is due to a trough of low pressure lying over the group slowly moving eastward associated clouds and occasional rain.