A gale warning is in force for the two Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai land areas. While a strong wind warning is now in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua land areas.

The Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Centre advised this afternoon that a heavy rain warning is also in force for all of the Tonga's Island groups of Vava’u, Ha’apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A flash flood warning remains in force for low-lying areas in all of the islands.

This bad weather is due to Tropical Depression 14F situated at around 650KM northwest of Tongatapu or 660km northwest of Lifuka at noon today.

The system is moving southeast towards the group at a speed of 35km/hr bringing associated clouds with occasional rain and gale force winds affecting parts of the group.

Meanwhile, the forecast to midnight tomorrow for Tongatapu and 'Eua is moderate to fresh east to southeast wind becoming strong and gusty at times from tonight onwards, with mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional heavy rain at times.

For the Niuas the forecast is moderate to fresh west to northwest winds increasing to strong and damaging gale force winds by tonight. 

The forecast for Vava’u and Ha’apai is moderate to fresh north to northwest winds increasing to strong and damaging gale force winds.