Tropical Cyclone Neil is expected to cross Ha’apai early tomorrow morning.
A storm warning is now in force for all of Tonga land areas and coastal waters.
A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory has been issued for the kingdom.
A warning for a heavy damaging swell warning remains inforce for all of coastal waters.
AT 7pm category one tropical cyclone Neil was located 175km northwest of Vava’u or 260km north northwest of Ha’apai.
Wind gusts at the centre of the cyclone are 35-40 knots (64-75 km/hr) with momentary gust up to 55 knots (101km/hr).
On its current track the cyclone’s centre is expected to be 80km west of Vava’u at 1am tomorrow and to cross Ha’apai at 4am.
Rough to very rough seas with a heavy damaging northwesterly swell are forecast for the Niuas.
There is a possibility of flash flood and sea flooding in low lying areas.
For Tongatapu and ‘Eua gusts of up to 55 knots (101 km/hr) are expected by early tomorrow morning.
Rain will be heavy at times with rough seas and there is a chance of flash floods and sea flooding in low lying areas.
