Unsettled weather continues to affect Tongatapu this weekend as a strong wind warning remains in force for the main island and ‘Eua land areas, due to Tropical Depression 12F  located 30km northwest of Nuku’alofa at 3:00pm today Friday, February 17.

The Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Centre advised that a gale warning also remains in force for Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-Ki-Tonga and Tele-Ki-Tokelau coastal waters.

A heavy rain and flash flooding warning remains for the two Niuas. 

The bad weather is due to Tropical Depression 12F which at 3:00pm this afternoon was situated at latitude 21.0 south, longitude 175.3 west or approximately 30km northwest of Nuku’alofa.

It continues to move west-northwest at 12 knots (24km/hrs) bringing associated clouds, strong winds and occasional rain affecting the group.

The forecast for midnight tomorrow February 18 for Tongatapu and ‘Eua is moderate to fresh east to southeast winds, strong at times.

People should expect cloudy and overcast weather at times with occasional rain.

"There will be heavy rain at times especially tonight and tomorrow mainly over the east and northeastern parts of the islands, with wide spread occasional rain possible to other parts of the islands."