By Eleanor Gee
Tropical Cyclone Zazu (Cat. 1) is expected to move 60km south of Neiafu, Vava’u or 70km northeast of Muitoa, Ha’apai at 3:00pm today, the Tonga Meteorological Services forecast this morning. Meanwhile, a second stronger Tropical Cyclone, TC Yasa (Cat. 3) continues to move slowly towards Fiji.
TC Zazu is moving south southeast in Tongan waters at about 4 knots (8km/hr). Associated strong gale and destructive storm force winds, cloudy conditions and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms with very rough to high seas will affect the whole of the group today.
The cyclone hit Vava'u last night with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Speaking from Vava’u this morning, Tonga Met. Director ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, said the strongest gust recorded reached 62 knots at Lupepau’u Airport at 1:00am today.
He said there was a lot of rain.
From 9:00am yesterday to 9:00am today, heavy rainfall was recorded at five weather stations in Vava’u:
- Koloa – 235mm
- Lupepau’u Airport – 160mm
- Fatai – 235mm
- Longomapu – 75mm
- Fangatongo – 180mm
‘Ofa said the rain had stopped this morning and officers from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) were getting ready to go out and inspect any potential damage.
However, he said they were being cautious as the cyclone is still hanging around and moving very slowly.
Ha'apai
Meanwhile, in Ha’apai, NEMO officer, Lu’isa Launga said this morning there had been no heavy rain or flooding experienced so far and the remote islands were alright so far.
“The wind is starting to get stronger now so it may get worse today,” she told Matangi Tonga.
The following weather warning was issued by Tonga Met. at 10:00am, today 15 December 2020:
Vava'u:
- Gale force North to Northwest winds 35-45 knots (70-90 km/hr), with momentary gusts of destructive storm force winds up to 50-60 knots (100-120 km/hr).
- Very rough to high seas (up to 6-8 metres). A heavy damaging Easterly swell (up to 4 metres).
Ha'apai:
- Gale force East to Northeast winds 35-45 knots (70-90 km/hr), with momentary gusts of destructive storm force winds up to 50-55 knots (100-110 km/hr).
- Very rough to high seas (up to 6-8 metres). A heavy damaging Easterly swell (up to 4 metres).
Tongatapu and 'Eua:
- Fresh to strong East to Southeast winds 20-30 knots (40-60 km/hr), with momentary gusts of gale force winds up to 35-45 knots (70-90 km/hr).
- Rough to very rough seas (up to 4 metres). A heavy damaging Easterly swell (up to 4 metres).
The Niuas:
- Moderate to fresh West to Northwest winds 15-25 knots (30-50 km/hr). Becoming strong at times up to 30 knots (60 km/hr).
- Moderate to rough seas (up to 3 meters). A moderate Southeasterly Swell (up to 3 metres).
Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau Coastal Waters:
- East to Southeast winds 15-25 knots(30-50 km/hr), rising up to 30-35 knots (60-70 km/hr) at times.
- Rough seas (up to 3.5 metres). A moderate Easterly swell (up to 3 metres).
Fiji
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Cat. 3) continues to move slowly towards Fiji. According to the Fiji Met., the cyclone was located about 600km west-northwest of Nadi at 6:00am today. TC Yasa is currently moving east-northeast at about 5 knots.
