Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Alert for TC Keni Cat. 1 [1]
Monday, April 9, 2018 - 15:50. Updated on Monday, April 9, 2018 - 15:52.
Image: Tropical Cyclone Keni, Forecast Threat. Source Tonga Met.
A Tropical Cyclone Alert was issued for Tonga today by the Fua'amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in response to Tropical Cyclone Keni, Category 1, that could affect Tongatapu and 'Eua land areas and coastal waters in the next 48-hours.
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre was activated this afternoon. Director of Meteorology, ‘Ofa Fa’anunu said TC Keni was located near 17.1 south and 171.5 east or about 1450km west of Nuku’alofa at noon today.
The cyclone has average winds of 35-40 knots (65-75km/hr) near its current center and is slow moving but it is expected to move southeast later.
On its current track, gale force winds could affect Tongatapu, ‘Eua land and coastal waters within 48-hours.
The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre will continue issue tropical cyclone advisories until the threat passes.
At 2:00pm today a gale wind alert was in force for Tongatapu and 'Eua.
Outlook for Wednesday 11 April:
For Tongatapu and 'Eua:
Damaging north to northwest winds of 35-40 knots with momentary gusts up to 50 knots.
Overcast with frequent rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms.
Very rough to high seas. A heavy northerly damaging swell on coastal areas.
For Vava'u and Ha'apai
North to northwest damaging winds of 20-25 knots, gusts up to 30 knots.
Cloudy and overcast with ocassional rain, possible heavy falls and thunderstorms.
Rough to very rough seas. A heavy northerly damaging swell on coastal areas.
For the Niuas:
North to northwest winds 20-25 knots, gusty up to 30 knots.
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers.
Rough seas. A moderate northerly swell on coastal areas.