A Tropical Cyclone Warning remains in force for the southern Tonga islands of Ha'apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua as Severe Tropical Cyclone Victor (cat. 3) moves through Tongan waters. On its current track, Victor is expected to lie about 365km east of ‘Eua about 12:00am midnight tonight.

Tropical cyclone advisory number five for Tonga on Severe Tropical Cyclone Victor. Issued from the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 4:10pm Thursday 21st January 2016.

Tropical Cyclone Warning

A tropical cyclone warning remians in force for Ha'apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A gale warning remains in force for Ha'apai,Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Vava’u.

A heavy damaging swells warning remains in force for all Tonga waters

Situation:

Severe Tropical Cyclone Victor (category 3) lies about 21 decimal 6 south, 169 decimal 6 west or approximately 530km east of ‘Eua at about 1:00pm this afternoon and is moving west at a speed of 6km/hr.

Near its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 120km/hr with momentary gusts of 170km/hr. On its current track, Severe Tropical Cyclone Victor is expected to lie about 375km southeast of Ha'apai or 365km east of ‘Eua about 12:00am midnight tonight.

For Ha'apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

South to southwest winds 45-55km/hr increasing to damaging gale force winds with average speeds of 75km/h and momentary gust to 100km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Cloudy periods with isolated showers becoming more frequent with squally thunder storms

From tomorrow rough to very rough seas, east to southeast damaging swells with seas flooding in low lying areas.

For Vava'u:

South to southwest winds 45-55km/hr,increasing to 60-64km/hr in the next 18-24 hours. Cloudy periods with possible isolated showers.

Rough to very rough, a heavy dmamaging east to southeast swell

For the Niuas:

West to southwest winds 35km/hr-40km/hr, increasing to 45km/hr at times.

Cloudy periods with possible isolated showers.

Moderate seas, with  heavy southeast swells

Tide predictions:

High tide : 05:15pm

Low  tide : 11:45pm

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua’amotu Airport at 1:00pm was 1006.4 millibars and the relative humidity was 71%.

The next tropical cyclone advisory for Tonga will be issued at 7:00pm this afternoon or earlier by Fua'amotu TCWC.

http://www.met.gov.to/index_files/routine_forecast.txt [2]

Graphical images of the forecast track are also issued by the Nadi Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre.