Severe Tropical Cyclone Tino intensified into a Category 3 storm this morning, as it entered Tongan waters, packing wind gusts of up to 130-140 km/hr near its centre. On its current track, Severe Tropical Cyclone Tino is expected to lie at about 165km West of Pangai, Ha'apai at 7:00pm this evening. Storm to Hurricane force winds will affect Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua tonight, according forecasts from the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 11:00am Saturday 18 January 2020.
Tropical Cyclone Advisory number 13 for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Tino (Category 2). Issued from the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 11:00am Saturday 18 January 2020
A Tropical Cyclone warning remains in force for all of Tonga.
Warnings:
- A hurricane warning remains in force for Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua land areas and coastal waters.
- A storm warning remain in force for the Niuas land areas and coastal waters.
- A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remains in force for all of Tonga land areas.
- A heavy damaging swell and small craft advisory remains in force for all Tonga coastal waters.
Situation:
Tropical Cyclone "Tino" (Category 3) was located near latitude 18.3 South, longitude 176.7 West or about, 325km South SouthWest of Niuafo'ou, 405km West Southwest of Niuatoputapu, 290km West of Neiafu, Vava'u, 300km Northwest of Pangai, Ha'apai, 350km North Northwest of Nuku'alofa and 390km North Northwest of 'Eua at 10:00am this morning.
On its current track, Tropical Cyclone Tino (category 2) is moving Southeast at the speed of 20 knots (40km/hr). The maximum winds near its center are about 55-60 knots (110-120km/hr) with momentary gusts up to 65-70knots (130-140km/hr).
On its current track, Tropical Cyclone "Tino" is expected to lie at about 165km West of Pangai, Ha'apai at 7:00pm this evening. Storm to Hurricane force winds will affect Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua tonight.
For the Niuas:
Strong to Gale North to Northwest winds 30-45 knots (60-90km/hr), rapidly increasing to storm force winds 55 knots (110km/hr) at times with momentary gusts up to 70 knots (140km/hr) for today. Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Possible flash flooding in low-lying areas, due to heavy rain and heavy damaging swell. Very rough to high seas (6 to 9 meters). Heavy, damaging northwesterly swell (more than 5 meters). Mariners of small fishing boats for the Niuas coastal waters are hereby advised not to go out to sea. Poor visibility in areas of heavy rain, and thunderstorms.
For Vava'u and Ha'apai:
Strong to Gale North to Northwest winds 30-45 knots (60-90km/hr) this morning, rapidly increasing to storm and hurricane force winds 50-70 knots (100-140km/hr) at times, with momentary gusts up to 80 knots (160km/hr) by tonight.
Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Possible flash flood in low lying areas due to heavy rain and heavy damaging swell. Very rough to high seas (6 to 9 meters). Heavy damaging northwesterly swell (more than 5 meters). Mariners of small fishing boats for these coastal waters are hereby advised not to go out to sea. Poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
For Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau:
Strong to Gale force East to Northeast winds 30-45 knots (60-90km/hr) this morning, rapidly increasing to storm and hurrince force winds 50-70 knots (100-140km/hr) at times with momentary gusts up to 80 knots (160km/hr) by tonight.
Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Possible flash flooding in low-lying areas, due to heavy rain and heavy damaging swell. Very rough to high seas (6 to 9 meters). Heavy, damaging northwesterly swell (more than 5 meters). Mariners of small fishing boats for these coastal waters are hereby advised not to go out to sea. Poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Tide prediction
High tide: 01:55pm (Saturday afternoon)
Low tide: 08:15pm (tonight)
The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 11:00am was 994.5 millibars and the relative humidity was 93%. The next Tropical Cyclone Advisory on Tropical Cyclone Tino for Tonga will be issued about 2:00pm Saturday.
