Tropical Cyclone Pola expected to strengthen to a Category 3 Featured
27 February, 2019. The Tonga Metservice says the cyclone moving south between Fiji and Tonga is expected to become a category three storm within the next six to 12 hours.
It said Tropical Cyclone Pola was about 300 kms northwest of the main island of Nuku'alofa, at one o'clock this afternoon.
It was moving southwest towards Tonga at 22 km/h.
A storm force wind warning and a gale warning have been issued in Tonga
A heavy rain warning is also in force.
For all of Tonga's coastal waters, a heavy damaging swell warning is in place.
The Metservice says flash flooding and sea flooding is possible in low lying areas.
Tonga Metservice is warning people in the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai that they will be the first to feel the effects of Cyclone Pola this afternoon.
Tongatapu and 'Eua should begin to experience more adverse weather conditions by this evening.
Fiji's Lau group of islands is the most likely to be affected by the cyclone on its current track.
RNZ Pacific will be broadcasting cyclone warnings via the Tonga MetService throughout the day.
People have been advised to monitor local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
- RNZI
