12 Feb 2018 | 04:48 AM UTC
Tonga: Cyclone Gita to strike as Category 4 storm February 12 /update 1
Tonga declares state of emergency February 12 in advance of Tropical Cyclone Gita, forecast to strike February 12 as Category 4 storm; associated transportation disruptions and power outages expected in the coming hours
Event
Tonga declared a state of emergency on the morning of Monday, February 12 (local time), in advance of Tropical Cyclone Gita, which is forecast to strike the country as a Category 4 cyclone around 19:00 on Monday. The storm is expected to directly hit Nuku'alofa around 00:00 from Monday night into Tuesday, February 13. According to the Tongan National Emergency Management Committee, Gita is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph) and heavy rains to the country, which could inundate low-lying areas with floodwaters. Significant wave heights of over 10 meters (32 feet) in the waters around Tonga are expected, as well as consequent storm surges. Tongan authorities have advised individuals to remain indoors until the storm passes, and have instructed people in flood-prone areas to evacuate; evacuation centers have been set up on the islands of Tongatapu (the main island), Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua.
High winds, heavy rain, and consequent flooding, transportation disruptions, and power outages are expected in the coming hours and days as Cyclone Gita strikes Tonga. Gita is expected to continue to track toward Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia later during the week of February 12.
Context
Cyclone Gita brought severe flooding and associated damages in Samoa and American Samoa, prompting the former to declare a state of emergency.
Cyclone season in the region typically lasts from November to April but storms can occur outside this period.
Advice
Individuals present in Tonga are advised to monitor local weather reports, seek high ground (where available), and follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
