Tropical Cyclone Victor (cat. 2) is forecast to bring damaging gale force winds of 65-75kph, squally seas and thunderstorms this evening to southern Tongan islands, according to the latest Tropical Cyclone Advisory #12 issued by the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 1:30pm Friday 22 January 2016. The centre of the cyclone is expected to lie about 150km southeast of 'Eua at 7:00pm.
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #12 for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Victor, issued from the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 1:30pm Friday 22 January 2016:
A Tropical Cyclone Warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A gale warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A strong wind warning remains in force for Vava’u.
A heavy damaging swells warning remains in force for all Tonga waters.
Situation:
Tropical Cyclone Victor (category 2) lies about 21 decimal 8 south, 172 decimal 7 west or approximately 230km east-southeast of ‘Eua at about 11:00am this morning and is moving west-southwest at a speed of 11km/hr.
Near its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 100km/hr with momentary gusts of 150km/hr. On its current track, Tropical Cyclone Victor is expected to lie about 150km southeast of ‘Eua at about 07:00pm this evening.
For Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:
Damaging gale force winds with average speed of 65-75km/hr and momentary gusts to 100km/hr. Occasional showers becoming more frequent and possibly heavy at times with squally thunderstorms from this evening.
Very rough to high seas. East to southeast damaging swells with seas flooding in low lying areas.
For Vava’u:
South to southwest winds 45-55km/hr,increasing to 60-64km/hr in the next 12-24 hours. Cloudy periods with possible isolated showers.
Seas rough to very rough with a heavy damaging east to southeast swell.
For the Niuas:
West to southwest winds 35-40km/hr, increasing to 45km/hr at times.
Cloudy periods with possible isolated showers.
Moderate seas, with heavy southeast swells
Tide predictions:
Low tide: 11:55am
High tide: 06:15pm
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 1:00pm was 1000.3 millibars and the relative humidity was 89%.
Tropical Cyclone Victor Forecast Track Map from RSMC Nadi, Fiji:
