It looks like Cyclone Rene is heading straight for Tonga! It may strike the islands in Ha'apai around midnight tonight!
My friend Horst on his tiny island Uiha had better hold on to his hat!
Monday 15/2/10 update: Cyclone Rene has scored a direct hit in Ha'apai. The centre of the storm went over the island of NOMUKA, pretty close to Lifuka. A website says it is the worst cyclone in 50 years. Storm damage in Vava'u so far seems to be small, mainly mangoes and breadfruit knocked off the trees.