Tropical Cyclone Zena (Cat. 2) is rapidly moving towards southern Tonga and expected to bringing destructive storm force winds this afternoon to Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai. Forecasters expect the storm to lie about 15km south-southeast of Nuku’alofa or 25km northwest of ‘Eua at about 3:00pm today, Thursday 7 April.
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 10:30am today, its Tropical Cyclone Advisory number six for Tonga said this morning the cyclone has estimated winds speed of 110km/hr, (60 knots) with momentary gusts of 155km/hr (85 knots).
Tropical Cyclone Zena passed through Fiji yesterday and was located about 540km west of Nuku’alofa or 570km west northwest of ‘Eua at 7:00am this morning. RSMC Nadi reported the storm was travelling east at 51km/hr
The system has heavy rains and severe thunderstorms and people should expect flash flooding in low-lying areas, including seas flooding high to very high seas with heavy damaging swell. The high tide is expected at 7:25pm.
For Vava’u, people on the outer islands should expect gale force winds with average speed of 65km/hr (35 knots) today with momentary gusts up to 80km/hr (50 knots) with periods of rain heavy at times.
Warnings
A storm warning in force for ‘Eua, Tongatapu and Ha’apai.
A gale warning remains for Vava’u, while strong wind warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.
A heavy damaging swells warning for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u coastal waters.
A heavy rain warning for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.
Flash flooding warning for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.
Barometer
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 10:00am today was 1005.0 millibars and the relative humidity was 98%.
