A hurricane warning remains inforce for the Vavau and Haapai groups after severe Tropical Cyclone Ian that was previously a category 5 system was downgraded this morning at 9:30am to category 4.
Tonga Met Services said Ian is moving south-southeast at 6knots and on this track it is expected to lie about 20km north-northeast of Fakakakai in Haapai at 1pm today.
A gale warning remains in force for Tongatapu,'Eua and nearby islands.
A strong wind warning remains inforce for Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi.
A damaging heavy swell advisory remains inforce for coastal waters of Vava'u and Ha'apai group.
On its current track, tropical cyclone Ian may bring:
Destructive to very destructive force winds to Vavau from now until 3-6hrs later.
For the Ha'apai group tropical cyclone ian may bring destructive storm force winds in the next 3-6hr and very destructive hurricance force winds in the next 6-12hr.
For Tongatapu and 'Eua the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds in the next 12-18hrs
