Neiafu calm, as Cyclone Rene passes over [1]
Monday, February 15, 2010 - 07:57. Updated on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 22:06.
After a rough night and about two hours battering from gales brought by Cyclone Rene this morning, Vava'u residents walked outside to an almost dead calm at around 7:00 am.
Tonga's National Weather Centre at Fua'amotu said that Cyclone Rene was currently over Vava'u [7:20 am Monday 15 February] but they would not confirm whether it was the eye of the storm until they recorded winds in the opposite direction.
Met officers who were on duty throughout the night, said they recorded a wind speed of 65 knots at 6:00 a.m. in Vava'u, which dropped to 8 knots at 7:00 am.
Neiafu resident Semisi Fonua said the winds got very strong coming in from the south-east at about 4:45 am and went on until about 6:45, then dropped completely.
"People are out walking around now, there are a lot of mangoes and breadfruit down, and mainly trees damaged," he said.
The yachts sheltering in the harbour appeared to be safe at this time, and Semisi said he saw only one roof that had been blown off a small shop, and there was a little bit of damage to property.
However, he said the wind was picking up again from the other side.
Semisi said he noticed the MV Pulupaki was in port on the weekend, but it was not there this morning.
Meanwhile, further south, the capital Nuku'alofa is experience blustery winds and rain this morning, with the wind gusts slowly increasing in strength.