A tornado struck the Haʻafeva island in Tonga’s Ha’apai group this morning, causing minor damage to homes and vegetation.
According to the Tonga Meteorological Services, the tornado was reported around 9am following a burst of thunderstorm activity that affected the Lulunga Islands.
Several houses sustained roof damage, while a number of trees were uprooted by the strong winds.
The weather event was linked to an active trough of low pressure that moved across Tonga, bringing heavy rain and gusty conditions to parts of the Kingdom.
Authorities had earlier issued a heavy rain warning, flash flood advisory, and strong wind warning for the land areas of Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua as the system intensified.
Tonga Meteorological Services said it is working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the tornado.
No injuries have been reported.
