Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita was the most intense tropical cyclone to impact Tonga since reliable records began. The second named storm and first major tropical cyclone of the 2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season, Gita originated from a monsoon trough that was active in the South Pacific in early February 2018. First classified as a tropical disturbance on 3 February, the nascent system meandered near Vanuatu for several days with little development. After acquiring a steady east trajectory near Fiji, it organized into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on 9 February near Samoa. Arcing south in a clockwise turn, the system rapidly intensified, and became a severe tropical cyclone on 10 February near Niue.
Cyclone Gita at peak intensity south of Fiji on 14 February
Global Precipitation Measurement satellite image of Gita near the Samoan islands on 9 February. Heavy rain bands with rainfall rates of 25 to 41 mm (1 to 1.6 in) per hour were identified near the islands.
The Taiwanese fishing vessel Chui Kai Fa No. 1 grounded off the coast of Tutuila
Large swells along Queensland coastline attracted surfers
Nukuʻalofa is the capital and largest city of Tonga. It is located on the north coast of the island of Tongatapu, in the country's southernmost island group.
Image: Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa, Nov 18
Image: The Free Church of Tonga 2
Image: Parliament Nuku'alofa
Image: Nukualofa Tonga 2