A tropical cyclone warning for Tonga was cancelled this morning as the low pressure system TD07F (that was Tropical Cyclone Neil) moves away from Tongatapu and 'Eua to the Southeast. The capital, Nuku'alofa, enjoyed patches of sunshine this morning, with fresh east to southeast winds.
The Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 8:00am today Sunday 10 February 2019, cancelled their cyclone, storm, heavy rain and flash flooding warnings for Tonga that were issued over the last two days.
However, they advised that a strong wind warning is now in force for Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau land areas and coastal waters.
A heavy damaging swell warning remains in force for all of Tonga coastal waters.
Situation:
Ex-Tropical Cyclone "Neil"(tTD07f) was located near latitude 20.7 south, longitude 174.9 west or 120km south southwest of Lifuka, 55km south of Nomuka, 50km North northeast of nuku'alofa and 75km north of 'Eua at 07:00am this morning. This system was moving southeast at the speed of 16 knots (30km/hr).
The maximum winds near the centre are about 30-35 knots (57-67 km/hr) with momentary gusts up to 45 knots (87km/hr). On its current track Tropical Cyclone Neil's centre was expected to lie nearest to 45km east northeast of Tongatapu and 35km east of 'Eua at 10:00am this morning. Associated clouds with occasional rain are expected to affect the group.
For the Niuas, Ha'apai and Vava'u:
North to northwest winds 20-25 knots (37-47km/hr), increasing to 30-35 knots (57-67km/hr).
Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional showers.
Rough to very rough seas. A heavy damaging northwesterly swell.
For Tongatapu and 'Eua:
East to southeast winds 15-20 knots (27-37 km/hr) gusts of up to 25-30 knots (47-57km/hr).
Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain.
Rough to very rough seas. A heavy damaging northwesterly swell.
Tide prediction
High tide: 11:25am
low tide: 05:30pm
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 08:00am was 996.9 millibars and the relative humidity was 97%.
Tonga Met stated that this will be the last Tropical Cyclone advisory for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Neil.
