Tropical Cyclone Cyril, category 1 centre [987hpa] was located about 15 miles southwest of Vava'u or about 150 miles north-northeast of Nuku'alofa at  6:00 am today, February 7, 2012. Cyril is moving east-southeast at 18 knots, a Special Weather Bulletin from the RSMC - Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre warns.

Special Weather Bulletin Number Three for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone Cyril issued from RSMC Nadi, Fiji

Tuesday, February 06, 1848 UTC, 2012.

Tropical Cyclone Warning.

A gale warning is now in force for Tonga's Ha'apai, Vava'u and Niuatoputapu group. A strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu group.

Tropical Cyclone Cyril category 1 centre [987hpa] was located near 18 decimal 8 south 174 decimal 2 west or about 15 miles southwest of Vava'u or about 150 miles north-northeast of Nuku'alofa at 061800 utc. Position fair. Cyril is moving east-southeast at 18 knots.

Close to its centre, Cyril is estimated to have winds with average speeds up to 45 knots with momentary gusts to 65 knots. Gale force winds within 120 miles of the centre in the sectors from west through north to southeast.

For Ha'apai, Vava'u and Niuatoputapu group: west to northwest wind 35 to 45 knots with gusts to 65 knots. Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. High seas. Flooding including sea flooding of low lying coastal areas.

For Tongatapu group:

Strong east to southeast winds. Periods of 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 062145 UTC or earlier by the Fiji Meterological Service.