A Tropical Cyclone Alert remains in force for Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua as severe TC Harold moves towards Tonga. On its current track, it is expected to lie at about 120km south-west of Nuku'alofa, at around 7:00am on Thursday morning, as a Category 3 storm.
 

The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in a second Advisory at 4:00pm this afternoon, issued a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory for Tongatapu, 'Eua, Ha'apai and Vava'u land areas.

At 1:00pm, severe TC Harold (Category 4) was located near latitude 16.6 south longitude 171.2 east or about 670km west of Nadi (Fiji), 1410km west of Niuafo’ou, 1515km west north-west of Nuku'alofa, 1565km west north-west of Pangai in Ha'apai and 1585km west north-west of Vava'u.

It is moving east at a speed of 15 knots (29km/hrs) and maximum winds near the centre are about 101 knots (201km/hr).

Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure lies slow moving over Vava'u. Associated clouds with occasional rain and strong winds will affect the group this evening and tonight.

For Tongatapu, 'Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau:

East to southeast winds 15-20 knots (30-40km/hr), increasing to 25-30 knots (50-60km/hr). Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms.

In addition, rough to very rough seas (4-6 meters) with a moderate northerly swell (3-4 meters). There will be poor visibility in area of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with possible flash flood in low-lying areas due to heavy rain.

For Vava'u and Ha'apai

North to northeast winds 10-15 knots (20-30km/hr), increasing to 20 knots (40km/hr). Tending north to northwesterly winds this evening.
Mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms.

Rough seas (up to 3 meters). A moderate northerly swell (3-4 meters). Poor visibility in area of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Possible flash flood in low-lying areas due to heavy rain.

Niuas will experience north to northwesterly winds 10-15 knots (20-30km/hr), rising up to 20 knots (40km/hr. Mostly cloudy with occasional showers, possibly heavy at times rough seas (up to 3 meters).