Sunshine short lived, cyclone possible

By Soli Wilson 20 February 2020, 8:35PM

The sunshine and cool weather experienced on Upolu Island on Thursday was short lived, as a low pressure system developed into tropical depression and could become a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone.

Samoa's Meteorology Division said as tropical depression (TD07F) drifted further southeast and away from Samoa, the country can expect another round of heavy rain. 

The developing low pressure system lies to the west of Wallis and Futuna, which was upgraded late Thursday to Tropical Depression 09F and was located about 203km west northwest from Asau or 299km west northwest of Apia at 2pm Thursday.

It is predicted to bring strong winds, heavy rain and flooding.

On Thursday evening, the Meteorology Division in another update said the system is gradually intensifying and moving east southeast towards Samoa at 25kph. 

"Winds close to the centre is expected to reach 55kph with higher gusts and may likely to reach Tropical Cyclone Category 1 wind strength tonight towards tomorrow," it reads.


"The potential for this system to develop into a Tropical Cyclone in the next 24-48 hours is moderate."

The Meteorology Division also announced that Tropical Disturbance 07F lies further southeast and no longer poses any threat to Samoa. 

"It is expected to move further to the southeast from the islands," the Meteorology Division update stated. 

"However, the active convergence zone will continue to bring periods of rain with possible heavy falls, strong and damaging gusty winds at times this morning. Expect damaging heavy swells and rough seas."

Potential impacts for the public to continue to look out for includes, heavy downpours with poor visibility, strong and gusty winds with flying objects, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, strong river outflow and landslides, pooling near roadsides and waterways. 

This also includes strong currents as well as rough seas and coastal inundation.

The Meteorology Division will continue to update their website and Facebook pages to ensure the public gets the most updated reports on the developments of low pressure systems.

By Soli Wilson 20 February 2020, 8:35PM

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