SITUATION
• TC WINSTON is currently moving towards west. On 18 February at 6.00 UTC it had max. sustained winds of 176 km/h and its center was located approx. 275 km northwest of Niue and 300 km northeast of Vava'u islands (Tonga).
• Over the next 24 h it is forecast to move towards west-southwest, strengthening. According to the forecasting data of 18 February 6.00 UTC, its center may pass approx. 150-200 km north of Vava'u on 18 February evening – 19 February morning (UTC), with max. sustained winds of 180-200 km/h. Then it may continue moving west-southwest, towards Lau islands (Fiji), slightly weakening.
• Based on this forecast, strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge may affect again Tonga, especially Vava'u and Ha'apai group of islands, on 18-21 February. Moreover heavy rains and winds may also affect Niue on 18-19 February and again the Lau group of islands (Fiji) on 20-23 February.
• In Tonga, over 60 families are already in shelters in Vava'u and another 35 in Ha'apai, according to media (as of 18 February).