Weather forecasters have issued warnings of a possible cyclone predicted to hit Samoa in the next 24 to 36 hours.
According to the nation’s metrological service, the tropical cyclone is moving southeast towards Samoa and is most likely to develop into a category one cyclone.
The cyclone is said to be 650 kilometres northwest of Savai’i, and 750 kilometres northwest of the capital, Apia.
Samoa has been experiencing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and people have now been warned to take extra precautionary measures in light of the cyclone warning.
People have been advised against taking small crafts and fishing boats out to sea and to be mindful of the heavy rains that may cause flooding.
Flood warnings have also been issued for American Samoa as heavy rainfall continues.
The National Weather Service of American Samoa issued the warnings with residents of flood prone areas have been advised to move to higher grounds.
Rainfall has been recorded at over an inch every hour; drivers of motor vehicles have also been cautioned against driving through rising water or fast flowing rivers.
