Residents of Haʻafeva experienced to severe weather yesterday morning after a tornado struck the island, causing minor damage to homes and vegetation.

Reports indicate that several houses suffered roof damage, while a number of trees were uprooted as the tornado moved across the island.

According to the Tonga Meteorological Services, the tornado developed from intense thunderstorm activity that affected the Lulunga Islands Group at around 9:00 a.m.

Meteorologists said the storm activity was linked to an active trough of low pressure affecting Tonga, which brought heavy rain and strong winds across parts of the Kingdom.

In response to the weather system, authorities issued heavy rain warnings, flash flood advisories, and strong wind warnings for the land areas of Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua.

The Tonga Meteorological Service said it is continuing to work closely with local authorities to monitor the situation.

About 200 people live on Haʻafeva, a small island in the Haʻapai group of Tonga. Kolongatata is the name commonly given to the village on Haʻafeva and is a reference to Haʻafeva's exposure to strong winds.