By Katalina Siasau
A cyclone warning for the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai, issued on Friday was cancelled by Tonga Meteorological Services on 11 January. TC Pita category 1, the first cyclone of the season for Tonga, moved southeast at a speed of 11 knots away from the group and will no longer affect Tonga. There was no cyclone damage reported in Vava'u. The Neiafu town officer, Mr. Vava Lapota said the wind was normal throughout the weekend.
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Center was de-activated at 12:00pm on Saturday, 11 January.
Tropical Cyclone Pita (Cat 1), was located near latitude 24.6 South, Longitude 179.7 East or 485km West Southwest of ‘Ata Island, or 650km Southwest of Nuku’alofa at 12:00pm noon on Saturday, 11 January.
Meanwhile, associated gale force winds moved away from the open waters of Niuatoputapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai.
Neiafu town officer, Mr. Vava Lapota told Matangi Tonga today there was no damages in Neiafu, and in any part of Vava'u. He said throughout the weekend, the wind was normal.
"We expected because it was a cyclone category one warning, that there would be strong winds."
He added that they previously had strong gales in Vava'u that would damage banana trees, but compared to this cyclone warning, there was no damages at all.
