Tropical Cyclone PIta CAT 1 forms in Northern Tonga

Wind intensity map forecast for Tropical Cyclone Pita CAT 1, formed in Tongan waters on 10 January 2025. Source; Tonga Met.

A cyclone warning is now in force for the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai, as Tropical Cyclone Pita formed in northern Tongan waters this evening.
The Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre issued the first advisory at 9:00pm. Northern islands were warned to expect heavy rain and gales, and heavy damaging swells, as the cyclone moves away from the groups.

Tropical Cyclone Pita (cat.1) forming in Tongan waters, as seen by the Himawari-9 satellite on 10 January 2025 at 10:10UTC.

Tonga Met advised that Tropical disturbance (TD) 04F had intensified into a Tropical Cyclone Catetgory 1.

Named "PITA", it was located near latitude 17.7 south and longitude 173.5 west or about 115 km north northeast of Neiafu (Vava'u), or 195km south of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu), or 250 km north-northeast of Pangai (Ha'apai), or 280km north of Ha'afeva (Ha'apai), or 320 km southeast of 'Esia (Niuafo'ou) at 7:00pm this evening, Friday 10 January 2025.

“The system has a sustain wind of 30-35 knots (60 - 70km/hr) near the centre with a momentary gusts of up to 40-45 (80-90 km/hr) knots.The system is currently moving southeast at a speed of 20 knots (40 km/hr). Associated clouds, heavy rain, strong to gale force winds with thunderstorms will affect the Niuas, Vava'u and the Ha'apai Groups.”

Forecasts

Forecasts for Tonga for up to midnight 11 Jan 2025.  Issued: 9:00pm Friday 10 January 2025. Source: Tonga Met, Fua'amotu.

Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu:

Ha'apai and Vava'u:

Tongatapu and 'Eua

OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY

FOR THE NIUAS:

West to northwest winds 25-30knots (30-40km/hr), gusting up to gale force winds of 35-45knots ( 70-90km/hr).

Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms.

Flooding in low lying areas due to heavy rain is expected.

FOR VAVA'U AND HA'APAI:

East to southeast winds 15-20knots (30-40km/hr), then rising up to 25knot at times, gusting up to gale force winds of 35-45knots (70-90km/hr) at times. Wind is expected to ease later in the afternoon.

Cloudy with occasional showers, heavy at times. Becoming fine about afternoon.

FOR TONGATAPU AND 'EUA:

East to southeast winds 10-15knots (20-30km/hr), rising up to 20knots (40km/hr) at times.

Cloudy periods with occasional showers in the morning then gradually fine in the afternoon.