Tropical cyclone alert for Tonga [1]
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 07:38. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Tropical depression 11f located near Lifuka, west of Tonga, is moving towards the east-southeast at 12 knots or about 22 km/hours. The depression may develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 12 or 24 hours, Tonga's Meteorological Office warned in its Special Weather Bulletin at 6:20am today.
Special Weather Bulletin Number Five on Tropical Depression 11f issued from Fua'amotu at 6:20am Tuesday 7 February 2012.
A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for Ha'apai, Vava'u and Tongatapu group.
A strong wind warning remains in force for all Tonga land areas and coastal waters.
Tropical Depression td11f, centre [990hpa] was located near 18 decimal 6 south 175 decimal 0 west or 145km north northwest of Lifuka or 100km west of Vava'u or 280km north of Tongatapu at about 0400am this morning. Close to the centre the depression is expected to have average winds of 30 knots.
The depression is moving towards the east-southeast at 12 knots or about 22 km/hours. The depression may develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 12 or 24 hours
On this track this depression may bring gale force winds over Ha'apai, Vava'u and Tongatapu group within the next 6 to 12 hours.
For Vava'u group: West to northwest winds up 25-30 knots possibly increasing to 35 knots with gusts to 55 knots. Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. High seas with heavy north to northwesterly swells. Flooding including sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
For Ha'apai and Tongatapu groups: South to southeast winds 20-30 knots gusting to 45 knots. Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. High seas. Flooding including sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas. Heavy swells.
For remainder of Tonga: strong north to northwest winds. Occasional rain and squally thunderstorms. Rough to very rough seas. Flooding including seas flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
The next special weather bulletin for Tonga will be issued at 8:00am or earlier by the Tonga Meterological Service http://www.met.gov.to/index_files/routine_forecast.txt [2]