A TROPICAL cyclone warning is now in force for the Niuas, and the rest of Tonga remains on cyclone alert as a tropical depression located west of Niuafo'ou may develop into a tropical cyclone in the north of Tonga over the weekend.
Meanwhile, an intensive ridge of high pressure to the southwest means that if a cyclone does develop it is likely to move east southeast.
Special Weather Bulletin Number Four for Tonga issued from Fua'amotu at 6:00am Saturday 04 April 2009:
A tropical cyclone warning is now in force for Niuas.
A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the rest of Tonga. A strong wind warning is now in force for the whole of Tonga.
Tropical depression 14f centre was re-located near 15 decimal 8 south 178 decimal 6 west or about 318km west of Niuafo'ou at 4:00am this morning.
Tropical depression 14f is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 to 36 hours. The system is currently moving east southeast at 11 knots but is expected to move southeast later. On this track, 14f is expected to lie to the south southwest of Niuafo'ou in the next 24 hours. Winds may increase to damaging gale force winds over the Niuas in the next 24 hours.
For Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi:
Expect northwest winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots. Winds possibly increasing to damaging gale force winds in the next 24 hours. Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms. Flooding including sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas possible.
For the Vava'u group:
Expect northerly winds 20 to 25 knots over open waters, fresh and gusty over land. Winds possibly increasing to damaging gale force winds in the next 24 to 36 hours.periods of rain,heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.
For the rest of Tonga:
Expect southeast winds 20 to 25 knots, cloudy periods with some showers.
Mariners
The following information is provided especially for the mariners:
A strong wind warning remains in force for all Tonga waters.
For the Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi waters: expect northwest winds 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots possibly increasing to 35 kots gusting 55 knots in the next 24 hours. Very rough seas. A moderate northwest swell.
For the Vavau waters:
Expect northerly winds 20 to 25 knots gusting to 35 knots, possibly increasing to 35 knots gusting 55 knots in the next 24 to 36 hours. Rough to very rough seas. Moderate southeast swell.
For the rest of Tonga waters: expect east to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots gusting to 35 knots. Rough seas. Moderate southeasterly swells.
Poor visibility in heavy rain and squally thunderstorms.
The next special weather bulletin for Tonga will be issued around 9:00am Saturday April 4, 2009.
