As Tongans welcome drought-breaking rains today, bringing relief from a February heatwave, Tonga Met warns that Tonga can expect gales tonight as Tropical Cyclone Winston cat. 2 approaches Tonga from the southwest. The first Tropical Cyclone Warning for TC Winston was issued at 4:30pm this afternoon and a second at 7:30pm for the cyclone that is forecast to hang around in Tongan waters for most of the week. 

Tropical Cyclone Warning, from the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 7:30pm 15 February 2016:

A Gale Warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua.

A Gale Alert remains in force for for Vava’u and the Niuas.

A Strong Wind Warning remains in force for Vava’u and the Niuas.

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

Situation:

Tropical Cyclone Winston Category 2 was located near 22.6 South and 179.9 east or about 535km west-southwest of Nuku'alofa at 3:00pm this afternoon.

The cyclone Is moving east-northeast at about 24km/hr and is expected to lie 315km west of Nuku'alofa about midnight tonight. Near its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 110km/hr with momentary gusts of 155km/hr.

For Ha'apai,Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

Expect damaging gale force winds with average speed of 65-75km/hr and momentary gusts to 110km/hr within the next 5-18hrs. Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.  Very rough to high seas. Heavy damaging swells with seas flooding in low lying areas.

For Vava’u and the Niuas:

North to northwest winds 55-60km/hr, increasing to 65-70km/hr in the next 24-36 hours. Occasional showers, heavy at times.

Rough to very rough seas. Heavy damaging swells developing.

Tide predictions:

Low  tide : 07:30pm

High tide : 01:40am