9 Jan 2014

A tropical cyclone alert for Tonga remains in force.

7:30 am on 9 January 2014

A tropical cyclone alert for Tonga remains in force, with tropical cyclone Ian again threatening the kingdom.

The Fiji Meteorological service says strong wind warnings for Ha'apai has now been issued, and remain in force for the Vava'u and Niuas island groups.

It says the cyclone is slow moving and may bring damaging gale force winds over the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai group in the next 36 to 48 hours.

Thunderstorms are expected over these groups from later on Thursday, and very rough seas, and flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected from Friday.

On Monday, a tropical cyclone alert was issued for the island groups of Ha'apai and Vava'u, but it was cancelled on Tuesday.

However a new alert was issued on Wednesday.