At 10:00am today Tuesday, Severe TC Keni was located 960km west northwest of Nuku’alofa bringing an average wind speed of 70 knots or 130km per hour close to its centre, according to the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre advisory no. 6, issued at noon today.

It is currently moving east-southeast at a speed of 10 knots (19km/hrs).

At noon today, a storm warning for Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters remained in force.

A gale warning remains for Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai with a heavy rain and flash flooding warning for all three islands.

Outlook

For Tele-Ki-Tonga and Tele-Ki-Tokelau: 
 Damaging winds north to northwest winds of 40-50knots (74km-93km.hrs) with momentary gusts up to 60 knots (11km/hrs). Overcast with frequent rain with heavy falls at times and thunderstorms with very rough to high seas.

In addition, to poor visibility in heavy rain areas and thunderstorms.

For Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua: damaging winds north to northwest winds of 35-40 knots (64km-75km/hrs) with momentary gusts up to 50 knots (90km/hrs). Overcast with frequent rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms, with rough to high seas.

Flooding includes sea flooding expected for coastal and low lying areas with poor visibility in heavy rain and thunderstorms.

For Vava’u: Strong north to northwest winds of 20-25 knots (35km-45km/hrs), gust up to 30 knots (55km/hrs). Cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, possible heavy falls and thunderstorm with rough to very rough seas.

Niuas is strong north to northwest winds 20-25 knots (35km-45km/hrs), gusty up to 30 knots.