APCEDI Alert SP/Tn 98P/08F Hettie #3-2009: Cyclone Hettie forms South of Tonga

The RSMC-Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre are continuing to issue guidance on Cyclone Hettie south of Tonga.

This is a brief statement to note that Tropical Disturbance 98P/08F did manage to become the first cyclone of the 2009 Central South Pacific season about 170 km to the south-southwest of Tongatapu earlier this morning. However it is now moving away from Tonga and into the open South Pacific posing little threat to any populated islands. The Tongan National Weather Forecasting Centre is maintaining a strong wind warning in force for the Ha'apai Group, Tongatapu and 'Eua.

APCEDI will continue to monitor the progress of this system, although this will likely be the last APCEDI Alert for this system.
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Kevin Vang
APCEDI Coordinator
http://www.afap.org/apcedi/

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