The Samoa Meteorological office has advised that a tropical disturbance in the northwest of Samoa has a “low” potential of developing into a tropical cyclone.

The MET, in an update posted on their official Facebook page yesterday, said satellite images show the tropical depression centers to the northwest of Samoa and could upgrade in the next 12 hours.

“Numerical model predicts this system to upgrade in the next 12 hours, such that will bring gusty winds and widespread rain with heavy falls, though potential for this system to evolve into a tropical cyclone is low.

“The active convergence zone which links to tropical depression will make landfall later in the evening (yesterday) hence; potential for this system to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 24-48 hours is low,” MET said. 

Heavy rain, gusty winds and strong sustained winds – mainly in the interior and and highlands of Upolu and Savai’i – has been forecast by the Office. The MET said they have issued an advisory warning of heavy rain, which could impact small craft and boats and will affect all of Samoa. 

“The impacts for Samoa are heavy rain and gusty winds, strong sustained winds mainly over the interior and highlands of both larger islands. There will be poor visibility during showers High swells and rough seas for boaters and mariners.”