A Tropical Cyclone Alert for the Niuas was issued by the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warnings Centre at 2:00pm this afternoon as an active tropical disturbance moves south towards Fiji and Tongan waters
The alert stated that Tropical Depression 06F was located about 665km north of Niuatoputapu or 636km north-northeast of Niuafo'ou at noon today, near latitude 10.0 south, longitude 174.3 west.
“This system is slow moving and has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, a low pressure system lies slow moving over to the southeast of Niuafo'ou extending a trough to the rest of the group. Associated clouds, heavy rain and strong winds will affect the Niuas and parts of the group.”
Warnings:
- A gale alert is now in force for the Niuas land areas and coastal waters.
- A strong wind warning is now in force for Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua land areas and coastal waters.
- A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remains in force for the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai.
- A heavy damaging swell warning remains in force for the Niuas coastal waters.
Situation:
For the Niuas:
Northeast winds 15-20 knots (27-37 km/hr), gradually increasing to strong winds 30-35 knots (55-65 km/hr) later this evening, with momentary gusts of up to 40 knots (75km/hr) by tomorrow.
Mostly cloudy with occasional showers, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms.
Moderate to rough seas. A heavy damaging northeasterly swell.
For Vava'u and Ha'apai:
East to northeast winds 15-20 knots (27-37 km/hr), gradually increasing to strong winds 25-30 knots (45-55 km/hr) at times.cloudy with occasional showers, heavy at times with possible isolated thunderstorms. moderate to rough seas. A moderate northeasterly swell.
For Tongatapu and 'Eua:
East to southeast winds 15-20 knots (27-37 km/hr), gradually increasing to strong winds 25-30 knots (45-55km/hr) at times. Becoming northeast winds tonight. Mostly cloudy with occasional showers, possibly heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Moderate seas to rough seas. A moderate southeasterly swell.
The Fua‘amotu Tropical Cyclone center will be activated until further notice, and a further advisory is expected tonight.
Meanwhile, Tonga Broadcasting Commission has activated its emergency operation, the News Manager Viola 'Ulakai advised.
