A strong wind warning remains in force for Vavaʻu and the Niuas land areas.
Fuʻamotu MetService issued the severe weather watch for the two outer islands of Tonga at 1pm this afternoon.
This watch is also for the likelihood of significant heavy damaging swell – especially for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai coastal waters.
Met said tropical depression 17f was located about 335km northwest of Niuafo’ou at about 7:00am this morning. The system is moving northwest at 08 knots.
Meanwhile a trough lies over north of the Niuas.
Associated clouds and occasional showers affects the group.
Forecast to midnight tomorrow for Tonga:
For the Niuas: Moderate to fresh east to northeast winds strong at times. Cloudy and overcast with occasional showers.
For Vava’u and Ha’apai:Moderate to fresh east to southeast winds strong at times.Mostly cloudy with scattered showers.
For Tongatapu and ‘Eua: Moderate to fresh east to southeast winds. Mainly fine apart from cloudy periods with possible scattered showers.
