Tropical depression TD04F which has already brought bad weather to parts of the Pacific developed into a tropical cyclone on Friday evening. Photo: Niue Meteorological Service
A tropical cyclone alert is now in force for Niue, the Fiji Meteorological Service says.
Tropical depression TD04F, which has already brought bad weather to parts of the Pacific, developed into a tropical cyclone Friday evening, NZT.
The Fiji MetService said Tropical Cyclone Pita, a category one cyclone, is about 410km west-northwest of Niue.
Pita is currently moving east-southeast at about 40km/hr and is gradually intensifying.
On this track the cyclone is expected be about 40km of Niue at 7am Friday, local time.
The several warnings issued for Niue include:
- Gale warning
- Coastal inundation warning remains in force for northern and western coastal areas of Niue
- Damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for open waters of Niue
The possible impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pita include:
- Isolated to significant damages to tree branches and houses of very light materials or un-shielded structures in exposed communities.
- Expect sea flooding of low lying coastal areas during high tides.
This is the first cyclone of the tropical cyclone season in the South Pacific.
Tropical Cyclone warning issued for Tonga
A tropical cyclone warning is now in force for the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai groups.
The Tonga Meteorological Service said Troical Cyclone Pita, a category one cylcone, is currently moving southeast at a speed of 40 km/hr.
Associated clouds, heavy rain, strong to gale force winds with thunderstorms will affect the Niuas, Vava'u and the Ha'apai Groups later tonight.
It said a gale and heavy rain warning, with a flash flood advisory remains in force for the Niuas, Vava'u and Ha'apai land areas.
At 9pm local time, Tropical Cyclone Pita was located about:
- 115 km north northeast of Neiafu (Vava'u)
- 195km south of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu)
- 250 km north-northeast of Pangai (Ha'apai)
- 280km north of Ha'afeva (Ha'apai)
- 320 km southeast of 'Esia (Niuafo'ou) at 7pm this evening.
RNZ Pacific's cyclone watch service has now been activated.
