The Tongan Meteorological Service has warned that Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua could expect damaging winds by mid-week.
The warning was issued this evening as Tropical Cyclone Keni moves towards the kingdom.
The weather service warned that winds could reach 35-40 knots with gust of up to 50 knots by Wednesday.
By Wednesday ships will face rough to high seas and coastal areas will be affected by damaging northerly swells.
An immediate gale alert is in place for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua this evening, along with a heavy rain alert and warning of flash flooding.
At 5pm Cyclone Keni was located moving slowly near latitude 16.6 south and longitude 172.0 east or 1430km west of Nuku’alofa
Winds at the centre of the cyclone average 35-40 knots.
It is expected to move southeast.
The forecast to midnight Tuesday for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua is for east to northeast winds gradually turning north with winds rising to 25 knots at times.
Seas will be rough with a moderate northerly swell.
The general weather forecast is mostly fine with some cloudy periods and possible showers.
For the Niuas, the weather service is predicting north to northeast winds turning northwest, with wind speeds up to 15 knots. It will be cloudy with a few showers and moderate seas.
By Wednesday the Niuas can expect damaging winds of up to 50 knots with rough seas. It is expected to be overcast with heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Damaging winds of up to 30 knots are predicted for Vava’u for Wednesday with damaging coastal swells and rough seas.
At 8.30pm this evening Radio New Zealand reported that Keni was moving east southeast of Fiji at 12 knots and continuing to intensify.
Winds close to its centre have reached 100 kilometres an hour.
The main points
- The Tongan Meteorological Service has warned that Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua could expect damaging winds by mid-week.
- The warning was issued this evening as Tropical Cyclone Keni moves towards the kingdom.
- The weather service warned that winds could reach 35-40 knots with gust of up to 50 knots by Wednesday.
For more information
