Tropical Cyclone Pita, with sustained winds that are momentarily gusting, was located near Vava’u.
However, Cyclone Pita is expected to leave Tonga this afternoon, according to Tonga MetService.
It is slowly moving away from Niufo’ou and Niuatoputapu on its current track, heading northeast towards the Vava’u and Ha’apai islands.
A gale warning and heavy damaging swell remain in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai coastal waters.
A strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters.
A small craft advisory remains in force for all of Tonga coastal waters.
Tonga MetService said Tropical Cyclone “Pita” (Category 1) was located east-northeast of Neiafu (Vava’u), south-southeast of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu), northeast of Pangai (Ha’apai), northeast of Ha’afeva (Ha’apai), southeast of ‘Esia (Niuafo’ou) at 10pm tonight.
It has a sustained wind of 30-35 knots (60 – 70km/hr) near the centre with a momentary gust of up to 40-45 (80-90 km/hr) knots.
Tropical Cyclone Pita is currently moving east-southeast at a speed of 20 knots (40 km/hr).
It has associated clouds, heavy rain, and strong to gale-force winds with thunderstorms that will affect the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai Groups.
For the Niuas:
West to northwest winds 25-35 knots (50-70km/hr), gusting up to gale force winds of 35- 45 knots ( 70-90km/hr) at times.
Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Becoming fine later this afternoon.
Flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain is expected.
For Vava’u and Ha’apai:
East to southeast winds 15-20 knots (30-40km/hr), then rising up to 25 knots with a momentary gust up to gale force winds of 35-45knots (70-90km/hr) at times.
Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Becoming fine later this afternoon. Flooding in low lying areas due to heavy rain is expected.
For Tongatapu and ‘Eua:
East to southeast winds 10-15knots (20-30km/hr), rising up to 20knots (40km/hr) at times.
Mostly cloudy with possible scattered showers.
