Tonga: Strengthening Cyclone Pola to bring heavy rain, surf to Tonga Feb. 27-28

Event

Tropical Cyclone Pola formed in the South Pacific and rapidly strengthened to a Category 3 cyclone, or the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, on Wednesday, February 27. It is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong surf to Tonga and the Lau islands of Fiji from Wednesday to Thursday, February 28. As of 16:00 (local time), the storm was producing sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) and expected to strengthen to 130 km/h (80 mph) in the coming hours. Heavy rain and gale warnings are in effect for Tonga and meteorologists are forecasting dangerous swells and heavy surf for coastal areas. Flooding and wind damage, including transportation, telecommunication, and power disruptions, are possible. The storm is also likely to affect the Lau group of islands in Fiji. 

Advice

Individuals in Tonga and Fiji are advised to monitor local weather reports and anticipate heavy rain, damaging winds, and strong surf, along with associated disruptions to transportation, telecommunications, and power. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult.