28 Feb 2014

Strong wind warnings, fears of cyclone in Tonga

5:02 pm on 28 February 2014

Strong winds and heavy rain are expected in Tonga as a tropical depression near Fiji, forecasted to develop into a cyclone, approaches the island group.

The Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Centre in Tonga has issued a strong wing warning, and has advised people to be prepared for extremely high tides, damaging swells and heavy rain.

It says the depression, which is slowly moving to the north east of Fiji, is expected to develop into a category one cyclone by tomorrow night.

It is expected to reach Tonga in the next two days.

About six weeks ago, Tonga's Ha'apai was badly affected by Cyclone Ian, which killed one person and injured 14 others, destroyed food crops and displaced thousands.