A gale warning has been issued in Tonga as a tropical depression is now off to the country's northwest.
The system, which is about 250 kilometres north of the capital Nuku'alofa, could develop into a cyclone over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Ha'apai and Vava'u island groups can expect heavy rain and squally thunderstorms.
There is also a risk of sea flooding of low-lying areas.
