TC Harold- Strong winds felt in Tonga

RNZ has reported that reports from Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa say strong winds were being felt there and there were power outages in some areas. Weather Watch NZ has reported that TC Harold has returned to Category 5.

The Tongan government announced a State of Emergency because of Cyclone Harold.

In a statement, Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said as an emergency was about to happen due to the destructive force winds and sea rises caused by the cyclone, it was necessary to make another declaration.

Earlier the government suspended the nightly curfew installed as part of Covid-19 restrictions to allow people to prepare for Cyclone Harold.

Tonga's Met Service issued a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory for the country.

Storm force wind warnings were in place for Tongatapu and 'Eua, a gale warning was in force for the Ha'apai islands and a strong wind warning was issued for the rest of the country.

Tropical Cyclone Harold has already caused significant damage in parts of Vanuatu as well as Fiji.