The system subsequently continued to move south-westwards and became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, as it passed near Swains Island during January 3.

[2] At around the same time the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center initiated advisories on the system, and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 10P with 1-minute wind speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph).

[4] During that day the system continued to move south-westwards and gradually organized further and became a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone during January 3, as it passed about 20 km (10 mi) to the north of Swains Island.

[2][5][6] After passing to the north of Swains Island, Ron continued to intensify and developed an eye as it moved south-westwards, before RSMC Nadi reported that it had become a Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone at 00:00 UTC on January 5.

After absorbing Ron, Susan transitioned into an extra-tropical cyclone, before it was last noted during January 10, bringing an unseasonable cold snap to New Zealand.

[16][17][18] As a result, residents were urged to stock up with food and water, while a crisis centre was set up in the capital Mata-Utu and Air Calédonie cancelled flights to the islands.

[16] Widespread damage to roofs, trees, coastal roads, fales and food crops were recorded while water, electricity supplies and communication network were also disrupted.

[22] After affecting both Wallis and Futuna and Swains Island, the system became the strongest tropical cyclone on record in Tonga, as it passed near Niuafo'ou at peak intensity.

[24] Ahead of the system affecting the islands tropical cyclone alerts and warnings were issued for the whole nation by the Tonga Meteorological Department.

[26] Ron's destructive winds caused severe damage in Tonga's sanitation systems, increasing the danger of an outbreak of infectious diseases.