9 Feb 2019

Weather depression near Tonga develops into a cyclone

9:07 pm on 9 February 2019

The weather system affecting Tonga has now developed into a cyclone.

Tropical cyclone Neil, a category one, is moving Southeast at 35km/hr, towards the populated islands of Vava'u, Ha'apai and the main island, Tongatapu

The winds near the centre of the cyclone are about 64-75 km/hr with momentary gusts up to 101 km/hr, according to Tonga's Meteorological Service.

It's a year since Cyclone Gita killed two people and caused extensive damage in Tonga.

Tracking map for Tropical Cyclone Neil in Tonga

Tracking map for Tropical Cyclone Neil in Tonga Photo: Tonga Meteorological Service