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Tonga Battered by Cyclone Rene

Having punished Tonga, Rene is expected to pass south of Fiji today. (Note: Lying beyond the International Dateline, it is currently February 16 in Tonga.)

© 2010 US Navy / NLR

The "friendly kingdom" of Tonga was walloped yesterday by Cyclone Rene, the most powerful storm to strike this South Pacific cluster of 179 islands in the past 50 years. As Rene‘s eye passed right over Nuku-alofa, it lashed the region with sustained winds of 97 mph (84 knots) and gusts up to 144 (125 knots). To make matters worse, the Category 3 storm’s arrival coincided with high tide. 

Flood waters did much damage to lowland areas, while storm winds ripped many roofs from homes and commercial buildings. At this writing there is no official word on deaths and injuries, but early indications are that casualties will be minimal due to ample preparedness.

We have no word yet on damage to cruising boats or injuries to those who may have weathered the storm aboard. However, we expect a follow-up report soon from Leslie Linkkila and Philip DiNuovo of the Kingston, WA-based Mason 33 Carina. Two days ago, while anchored at Neiafu, they wrote, "Cruising to distant ports does have its allure, but sometimes paradise wants to bite you in the butt. We, and the other cruisers, have spent the last few days trying to prepare for Rene‘s arrival. Carina is as ready as she will ever be." Before wisely electing to seek shelter ashore, the couple secured their sloop to a deep mooring with "two 20mm polypropolene lines attached to a ship’s anchor chain, which is attached to a ship’s anchor, and also attached to two 3-ton concrete blocks." 

Based on its current track, the eye of the storm is expected to pass well south of Fiji’s main islands today.

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