A Tropical Cyclone alert is in force for the islands of Niuatoputapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai. A strong wind warning is as also in force for all of Tonga. According to the Fu’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre a tropical depression is currently located 360m southwest of Niuafo’ou and is expected to intensify and may become a cyclone in the next 30 to 36 hours. Damaging gale force winds can also be expected for Ha’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas if the depression continues to intensify.