The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre was activated at 6:00am this morning, for Tropical Depression 09F, forecast to bring damaging gales to Tongatapu and 'Eua late this afternoon and overnight. Schools are closed today in Southern Tonga and gale warnings are in force for the whole of Tonga.
TD09F was located 660km northwest Nuku'alofa, 700KM northwest of 'Eua at 8:00am this morning.
Classes at all government schools in Tongatapu and ‘Eua have been cancelled for today.
The Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 9:00am February 9, advised that a gale warning remains in force for all Tonga land areas and coastal waters.
A heavy damaging swell warning remains in force of all Tonga coastal waters, with heavy rain warning and a flash flood advisory for all of Tonga land areas.
In addition, a small craft advisory remains in force for all Tonga coastal areas.
Tropical Depression 09F has developed to the West of the Niuas and was located at 425KM West Southwest of Niuafo'ou, 610KM West of Niuatoputapu, 615KM West Northwest of Vava'u, 635KM West Northwest of Ha'apai, 660KM Northwest Nuku'alofa, 700KM Northwest of 'Eua at 8:00am this morning.
TD09F is moving at a speed of 5 knots (10km/hr) and is expected to lie at about 495km Southwest of Niuafo'ou at 1:00pm this afternoon. Associated strong to gale force winds, cloudy conditions and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms will affect the group by today and tomorrow.
Forecast for the Niuas, Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua
North to northeasterly winds 25-30 knots (50-60km/hr.) with momentary gusts up to gale force winds 35-40 knots (70-80km/hr) at times.
Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times that will cause flash flood in low lying areas.
Rough to very rough seas (up to 4-6 meters). A heavy damaging Northerly swell (up to 5 meters).
Poor visibility in area of heavy rain.
Forecast for Tele-Ki-Tonga and Tele-Ki-Tokelau coastal waters
North to Northeasterly winds 20-25 knots (50-60km/hr), rising up to 30 knots (60km/hr) and then momentary gusts up to gale force winds 35-40 knots (70-80km/hr) at times this evening. Rough to Very rough seas (up to 4-6 meters). A heavy damaging northerly swell (up to 5 meters)
