Tropical Cyclone Cliff is now moving away from Tonga after bringing strong winds last night.
But the gusts were weaker than predicted with the strongest reaching 56 kilometres per hour rather than the 93 kilometres expected.
The duty forecaster at Tonga's Meteorological Service, Neniasi Havea, says the storm stayed well off shore:
"Nearest point was at 10pm last night. It was 110 kilometre to the south, south- west of Fua'motu. That was the nearest to the island of Tongatapu."
Mr Havea says a strong wind warning is still in place for Tongatapu and 'Eua waters, but he says that is likely to be downgraded later today.
