Heavy rainfall advisory remains in force for Samoa

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 20 January 2020, 6:00PM

Heavy rain and wind advisories remain in place for the Samoa islands despite the downgrading of Tropical Cyclone Tino during the weekend.

Strong winds and rain on Saturday afternoon battered homes and vegetation leaving a trial of fallen trees and damaged properties.

The Samoa Meteorological Service advised on Sunday that the cyclone has been downgraded after hitting the islands of Tonga.

But in another advisory issued on Monday, the Service’s scientific officer, Silipa Mulitalo, urged the public to exercise caution as the advisory for strong wind still remains in effect.

“Wind advisory remains in effect for Samoa, heavy rain warning remains, landslide possible for vulnerable areas, flood warning remains in force for all major rivers and also coastal flood advisory remains for low lying areas,'' he said.

“The ex-tropical cyclone Tino has weakened and continues further away to the southeast on colder waters.”

There is no cyclone forecast for Samoa except for heavy rainfall, though Mr Mulitalo said the Service is forecasting clear skies on Wednesday.

“We are hoping that it’ll be clear on Wednesday, by the looks of it we will be experiencing some isolated showers throughout the week.”

The bad weather conditions in recent days also means that there are areas on both Upolu and Savai’i that are vulnerable to flooding and landslides. 

“The potential for flash flooding and landslides remain for vulnerable areas in the next 24 hours as more rain is on the way,” Mr Mulitalo added. 

He said an active convergence zone currently lingers within the vicinity of Samoa and generating scattered heavy rainfall across the country. Upolu and Savai’i should expect occasional rain with heavy rainfall at times on top of gusty worthwesterly winds.

“ Heavy rainfall but not a cyclone,” he added.

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 20 January 2020, 6:00PM

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