The core of Cyclone Ula is moving away from the central Islands of Vavaʻu, according to Fuaʻamotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, at its tropical cyclone advisory number thirteen issued at 11:30am Saturday January 2, 2016.
However the tropical cyclone warning remains in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, it said.
Category Three Tropical Cyclone Ula has caused significant damage to trees and buildings in Vavaʻu outer islands and cut to powerlines in mainland.
A hurricane warning is now cancelled for Vavaʻu.
A storm warning is now in force for Vava’u, remains in force for Ha’apai and is now cancelled for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A gale warning is now in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
A strong wind warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.
A heavy damaging swells remains in force for Niuatoputapu, Vavaʻu, Haaʻpai, Tongatapu and ʻEua coastal waters and is now in force for Niuafo’ou coastal waters.
A heavy rain warning remains in force for Vava’u and Ha’apai and is now cancelled for Niuafo’ou, Niuatoputapu, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.
Situation:
Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula(category 3) was re-located to 18 decimal 0 South, 173 decimal 3 West or 80km North-Northwest of Vava’u or 200km North of Lifuka at 07:00am this morning. The cyclone has estimated winds of 150km/hr near its centre.
The cyclone is currently moving West-Southwest at a speed of 20km/hr.on its current track severe tropical Cyclone Ula is expected to lie 240km west of Vava’u or 160km Northwest of Tofua or 200km Northwest of Ha’afeva around 07:00pm this evening.
For Vava’u and Ha’apai:
Very destructive east to southeast winds of 80-90km/hr with momentary gust up to 120km/hr.
Overcast with frequent heavy rain with squally thunderstorms.expect possible flash flooding including seas flooding in low ying areas. High to very high seas.a heavy easterly damaging swell.
For Tongatapu and ʻEua:
East to southeast damaging winds with average speed of 65-70km/hr with momentary gust up to 90km/hr. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Very rough to high seas. A heavy easterly damaging swell.
For Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu:
East to southeast winds 45-55km/hr.
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible, heavy at times.
Rough to very rough seas.a heavy damaging west to Northwest swell.
