Cyclone Rene is starting to hit Tonga’s main island and is expected to bring winds of more than 100 kilometres an hour.

New Zealander Chas Toogood is near the capital Nuku’alofa and says the weather is amazing and is the worst he has ever experienced.

The Wellingtonian says there are two foot swells in the lagoon, the coconut trees are getting a battering and the heavy rain is going sideways. Mr Toogood says they are being told the weather will get a lot worse.

New Zealanders in Tonga are being urged by the Prime Minister to register their details on the Safe Travel Website.

John Key also says those with immediate plans to travel to the pacific nation should contact their travel agency as flights may be disrupted. Mr Key says indications are the damage from the storm – currently a category three cyclone – could be significant.

– NEWSTALK ZB