The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre was activated at 10:00am this morning, for Severe Tropical Cyclone Kevin which has strengthened into a category 3 storm.
On its current track, the Severe Tropical Cyclone is expected to lie at about 685km southwest of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu by 7:00pm on Sunday evening, 5 March.
‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Director for Meteorology issued the activation notice stating that Severe Tropical Cyclone ‘Kevin’ (category 3) was located near latitude 16.3 south, longitude 165.6 east
This is about 325km northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu or 2090km west northwest of Nuku'alofa at 7:00am this morning, 3 March.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Kevin is moving south at the speed of 14 knots (28km/hr). The maximum winds near the center is about 70 knots (140 km/hr) with momentary gusts of up to 85 knots (170km/hr).
“Based on the latest forecast track, Severe TC Kevin is expected to bring gale force winds into our Tongan waters on Sunday and Monday (5-6 March 2023). Therefore, the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Center is activated for Tropical Cyclone Operations at 10:00am this morning until further notice.”
