A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Tonga’s Ha’apai, Niua and Vava’u groups.
The groups, including Tongatapu and ‘Eua, are advised to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding.
MetService said in its tropical cyclone advisory number 05 for Tonga said that tropical depression 09f is expected to gradually intensify into a tropical cyclone category 1 in the next 6-12 hours.
Associated clouds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong to gale-force winds will affect the Niuas today. Strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms will extend onto the Vava’u and Ha’apai group this afternoon and then Tongatapu and Eua by tomorrow morning.
The warning from the Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 1pm Sunday 23 February 2025 said that a gale warning remains in force for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou land areas.
It said a strong wind warning remain in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua land areas.
A gale warning, heavy damaging swell and small craft advisory remain in force for Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou coastal waters.
The strong wind warning previously enforced for Vava’u and Ha’apai coastal waters are now upgraded to a gale warning.
A strong wind warning and small craft advisory remain in force for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters.
It said tropical depression 09f was located near southwest and northwest of ‘Esia, Niuafo’ou, or west-northwest of Hihifo, Niuatoputapu, or northwest of Neiafu, Vava’u, or Northwest of Pangai, Haapai, or north-northwest of Nukualofa, Tongatapu, north-northwest of ‘Ohonua, ‘Eua at 1pm this afternoon.
The system is currently moving south at the speed of six knots.
MetService said it is crucial to stay informed through local news updates and follow any emergency guidelines provided by the government.
Communities are urged to secure property, stock up on essential supplies, and ensure that evacuation plans are in place if necessary. Safety should be the top priority as the situation develops.
