It never rains but it pours [1]
Friday, September 10, 2004 - 16:45. Updated on Sunday, March 2, 2014 - 11:53.
A record rainfall for the year was recorded during the 24 hours prior to 10 a.m. today over Tongatapu causing extensive flooding in the capital Nuku'alofa and other areas.
The Chief Meteorologist, 'Ofa Fa'anunu, reported that a low pressure system that drifted over Tonga last night resulted in rainfall of 145mm at Fua'amotu , and 174mm at Nuku'alofa.
"This is the most rainfall we have had over 24 hours this year, resulting in floods!" he said.
Tongatapu government schools were closed for the day after the heavy rain continued throughout the night and during the morning, flooding many schools.
Roads turned into muddy rivers, which overflowed into properties and inside homes in low lying areas.