Tropical Cyclone Cliff brought heavy rain and strong winds to the islands of Southern Tonga last night as it passed 125 km to the south of Fua'amotu at 4 am.

Assistant Forecaster, Havea Neniasi, said that the maximum gust recorded at Fua'amotu was 27 knots, and 20mm of rain fell in the 12 hours between 10:00 pm last night and 10:00am this morning.

The Cyclone is moving south-southeast at about 15 knots further away from Tonga, but a strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu and 'Eua waters.

The forecast to midnight tonight for Tonga is fresh to strong northerly winds 15 to 25 knots, gusting up to 30 knots. Winds easing later today. Cloudy periods with a few brief showers. Becoming fine later today.

Easter weekenders can enjoy sunny weather with the outlook for Saturday mainly fine with southerly winds 10 to 15 knots.