Tropical cyclone warning for northern Tonga, heavy rain for all of the country

The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre says a tropical cyclone warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Vava’u and a storm warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

The centre has issued a gale warning for Niuafo’ou.

Heavy damaging swells remain in force for Niuatoputapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua waters. And a heavy rain warning in now in force for all of Tonga

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula which is now a category 3 cyclone was located 16 decimal 4 south, 169 decimal 9 west or 410km east of Niuatoputapu or 500km east northeast of Vava’u at 10am today.

The cyclone has estimated winds of 120km/hr near its centre.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula is currently moving west southwest at a speed of 8km/hr.

On its current track the cyclone is expected to lie 170km south of Niuatoputapu or 180km north northeast of Vava’u around midnight tonight.

For Vava’u, winds will gradually begin to increase to very destructive winds of 100-110km/hr with momentary gusts up to 130km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with occasional showers, gradually becoming overcast with frequent heavy rain and squally thunderstorms.

Expect possible flash flooding including seas flooding in low lying areas.

Very high to phenomenal seas and heavy damaging swells developing.

For Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua winds gradually increasing to destructive winds with average speed of 80-90 km/hr with momentary gusts up to 120 km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers becoming overcast with frequent heavy rain and squally thunderstorms.

Expect high to very high seas and heavy damaging swells developing.

For Niuafo’ou, winds gradually increasing to damaging winds of 65-70 km/hr in the next 18 to 24 hours. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possibly heavy at times. Very rough seas with moderate to heavy east to southeast swells.

Loop Pacific / ONE PNG