A tropical Cyclone Alert is now in force for most of Tonga as Severe Tropical Cyclone Daman moves away from Fiji on a southeast track and is expected to bring storms and damaging gale force winds to Tonga tomorrow, Sunday.

A Special Weather Bulletin No. One for Tonga issued from Fua'amotu at 1:40 pm today, Saturday 8 December, stated that the tropical cyclone alert was in force for Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua and Tongatapu.

Tropical Cyclone Daman (Category 3) was located about 55km west north west of Vava'u at 11:00 am this morning.

Currently close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds up to 90 knots (165km/h) with momentary gusts up to 125 knots (230km/h)

The cyclone is moving east-southeast at about 10 knots (18 km/h) and is expected to curve more towards the south.

Tropical Cyclone Daman will continue to weaken within the next 24 hours and is expected to be of storm force winds by the time it approaches central and southern Tonga.

Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and nearby islands can expect winds increasing to damaging gale force of 35 knots with momentary gusts to 60 knots from tomorrow.

The next special weather bulletin for Tonga will be issued by Fua'amotu at around 8:00 pm tonight.

Sunny today

Meanwhile, today Tongatapu has enjoyed sunshine with a few showers and a strong breeze.