A gale warning and small craft advisory remain in force for Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters, as Tropical Cyclone Mal moves to the south of Fiji and approaches southern Tongan waters.
A strong wind warning and small craft advisory remains in force for Tongatapu and 'Eua coastal waters, stated the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Centre advisory at 1:00pm today, Wednesday 15 November.
Situation:
Severe Tropical Cyclone Mal, a category 3 cyclone, was located near latitude 19.8 south, longitude 177.9 east or 195km south southwest of Suva, Fiji, 740km west northwest of Nuku'alofa at noon today.
Severe TC Mal is moving southeast at a speed of 16 knots (32km/hr). The maximum winds near the center is about 70 knots (140 km/hr) with momentary gusts up to 80 knots (160km/hr). The cyclone is expected to bring gale force winds (35-45 knots or 70-90 km/hr) into Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters and as well the southern waters of Tongatapu and 'Eua. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure system lies over Tongatapu and 'Eua which will continue to bring cloudy, occasional showers and strong winds to the area.
For Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau:
Easterly winds 20-25 knots with momentary gusts up to 30-40 knots about afternoon. Rough seas up to 4 meters.
Forecast for the Niuas, Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua
Tongatapu and 'Eua: Easterly winds 15-20 knots rising up to 25-30 knots at times especially in 'Eua and southern waters of Tongatapu. Cloudy with occasional rain and moderate to tough seas up to 3 meters.
Ha'apai: North to Northeasterly winds 10-15 knots, rising up to 20 knots at times. Cloudy periods with moderate showers and moderate seas up to 2 meters.
Vava'u and the Niuas: Northeasterly winds ranging from 10-15 knots. Mainly fine weather with slight seas conditions.
Tide Prediction:
Low tide: 2:40pm
High tide: 08:45pm
The main sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu Airport at 1:00pm was 1012.5 Millibars and the relative humidity was 92%. The next Tropical Cyclone Advisory on TC MAL for Tonga will be issued at about 4:00pm today at met.gov.to.
