Tropical Cyclone Ian has made landfall and is now lashing the islands of Vava’u and Ha’apai.
A state of emergency has been declared for the Northern Islands as the Cyclone is proving to be one of the most powerful to hit Tonga in the past 50 years
Reports of damage to homes have already been received from Hunga.
The storm, which had winds at its centre estimated to be averaging just over 200kph with gusts of up to 290kph, remains incredibly fierce.
Fiji based climate analyst Neville Koop said the cyclone is certainly capable of doing enormous levels of destruction and is the sort that could also lead to loss of life.
Meanwhile according to the Nadi Weather Office a strong wind warning remains in force for Vatu-I-Ra passage, Koro Sea and Lau Waters.
South to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots.
Rough seas with moderate to heavy southerly swells.
For the rest of the Fiji group the forecast to midnight tomorrow fine apart from brief showers over the southern parts and interior of the larger islands.
Story by: Gwen McGoon