A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for Tonga. As Tropical Cyclone Rene intensifies to the Northeast of Tonga on its forecast track, the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds over the whole Tonga group in the next 24 to 48 hours, during Sunday and Monday.

Special weather bulletin number three for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Rene issued from NWFC Fua'amotu at 4:00pm Saturday 13 February 2010.



A tropical cyclone alert.

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for Tonga.

A gale warning is now in-force for Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi.

A strong wind warning is also in force for the rest of Tonga.

Tropical Cyclone Rene centre was located near 14.1 South 169.5 West or about 485km Northeast of Niuatoputapu at 3:00pm this evening. The cyclone is intensifying and moving West-Southwest about 10 knots. Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average sustained winds of 60 knots with momentary gusts to 80 knots close to the centre increasing to 70 knots with momentary gusts to 95 knots in the next 12 to 18 hours.

On this forecast track the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds over the whole Tonga group in the next 24 to 48 hours.

For Niuatoputapu, Tafahi and Niuafo'ou: expect strong south to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots. Winds may increase to damaging gale force with speeds of 35 knots with momentary gusts to 60 knots later tomorrow. Rain increasing and becoming frequent and heavy with squally thunderstorms. Seas becoming very rough to high. Damaging heavy swells developing.

For the rest of Tonga: strong South to Southeast winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots. Winds may increase to damaging gale force or stronger from tomorrow. Cloud and rain increasing and becoming frequent and heavy with squally thunderstorms from tomorrow. Seas becoming very rough to high. Damaging heavy swells developing.

This information is provided especially for mariners: Strong southeast winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts to 45 knots possibly increasing to gale or stronger from later tomorrow. Seas becoming very rough to high. Damaging heavy swells developing.

Tides

High tide 07:22pm

Low tide01:45am

The mean sea level pressure recorded at Fua'amotu at 4:00pm Saturday 13 Febraury was 1007.2mb.

The next special weather bulletin for Tonga will be issued around 10:00pm Saturday 13/2/2010.

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