WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
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RA V TROPICAL CYCLONE COMMITTEE FOR THE
SOUTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH-EAST INDIAN OCEAN
TWELFTH SESSION
ALOFI, NIUE, 11 TO 17 JULY 2008
RA V/TCC-XII/Doc. 5(4)
(8.VII.2008)
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ITEM 4
ENGLISH ONLY
REVIEW OF THE 2006/2007 AND 2007/2008 TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASONS
(Submitted by Tonga)
There were two Tropical Cyclones that affected Tonga during 2006-2007 and one during
2007-2008.
TROPICAL CYCLONE “CLIFF”
5 – 6 April 2007
Introduction
Tropical Cyclone “CLIFF” had its origin in an intense and active area of the South
Pacific Convergence Zone which stretched from northern Fiji to Wallis and Futuna and
Vava’u to Niue.
At about 040400UTC Tropical Depression (14F) was named Tropical cyclone “CLIFF”
when it was lies about 16.8S latitude and 179.6E longitude or 700km to the northwest of
Tongatapu. The cyclone estimated intensity was 40-50 knots gusting to 85 knots. The
cyclone tracked southeast and then south-southeast just in time for its area of gales force
winds to miss the land area of Ha’apai and Tongatapu.
The maximum sustained 10 minutes winds and maximum winds gust recorded in
Tonga were 18 knots and 28 knots respectively at 051100UTC at Fua’amotu Station. Again
at Fua’amotu the maximum amount of rainfalls were 35.9mm as recorded at 052100UTC.
Warnings
A total of 4 Special Weather Bulletins were issued for Tonga on Tropical Cyclone
“CLIFF”.
Tropical cyclone warning system
The Meteorological service experienced power failure (mains) at 042200UTC. The
standby power could not be restored therefore operations were shifted to the National
Emergency Operations Centre (backup) in Nuku’alofa for the remainder of the cyclone
operations although Fua’amotu continued to operate on a mobile generator. Communications
remained satisfactory although some difficulties were experienced during the power outages
at Fua’amotu.
RA V/TCC-XII, Doc. 5(4), p. 2
TROPICAL CYCLONE “DAMAN”
8 December 2007
Summary
Tropical Cyclone “DAMAN” originated in an active area of the South Pacific
Convergence Zone that was stretched from Tuvalu to the North of Samoa. It first originated
as Tropical Depression 04F before it reached Tropical Cyclone strength on December 5 at
about 7:00pm. That time the Cyclone was about 900km to the West- Northwest of Niuafo’ou.
The cyclone tracked ESE on December 8 towards the kingdom about midday at 10
knots and the 10-minute average winds near the centre were 90 knots with gust up to
125knots. That time the cyclone center was about 550 km WNW of Vavau. After a few hours,
new observations became available indicating the cyclone was weakening at a very quick
rate and tracking SSW. Hence it no longer posed any level of threat for Tonga.
A total of two SPECIAL WEATHER BULLETINS were issued for Tonga. The cyclone
did not exert any damaging winds to Tonga except for the strong winds.
Track of Tropical Cyclone DAMAN (FMS)
Conclusion
Tropical Cyclone Cliff did not inflict any damage to the Group. In fact it was the last
Cyclone of the season.
TROPICAL CYCLONE “ELISA”
10 January 2008
Summary
Tropical Cyclone “ELISA” originated in an active area of the South Pacific
Convergence Zone which stretched from Solomon Islands to the two Niuas.
RA V/TCC-XII, Doc. 5(4), p. 3
At 7:00pm January 10 Tropical Depression 07F was named Tropical Cyclone Elisa
when it was located 75km West-Southwest of Fua’amotu moving southeast at 5 knots.
Heavy rain associated with the Tropical Depression and strong winds caused
damages mostly to fruit bearing trees in Tongatapu and Eua. Further to that, associated
rough and high seas moved small vessels and fishing boats ashore in Nuku’alofa.
The Strongest wind gust of 44knots was measured at Fua’amotu at 8:00am Thursday
10 Jan 2008 and the average winds ranged from 20 to 30knots.
Track of Tropical Cyclone ELISA (FMS)