The Samoa Meteorological Service has advised that an intense high pressure system will continue to result in gusty winds and rough seas.

The Meteorological Service issued a severe weather update at 5pm Wednesday afternoon and cautioned the public to be aware that its wind advisory was cancelled for all low-lying areas but remains in effect for elevated areas. 

The small craft advisory also remains in effect for all of Samoa’s open waters. 

“An intense high pressure system centred south of [the] Southern Cooks maintains moderate to fresh easterly wind-flow over Samoa,” the Meteorological Service’s 5pm update stated. “This system is expected to progress further away to the southeast from Samoa alongside strong and gusty winds by tomorrow afternoon.” 

“However, latest observation recorded this afternoon shows wind strength of 45-55kph over highlands whereas low-lying areas registered below the advisory threshold.” 

Meteorological Service Scientific Officer, Maccarios Auvae, told the Samoa Observer that the intense high pressure system, unlike a low pressure system has nothing to do with wind speed.

He said the intense high pressure system is determined based on the coverage area the winds will affect.

“It depends on the coverage area….it’s pretty technical but there is no wind threshold with the intense high pressure system,” he added. 

Waves and swells of 2.5-3.5 metres remained over the Samoa coastal water as observed, the Meteorological Service’s update continued. “Therefore, wind advisory will remain for highlands only but the small craft advisory is still valid for all open water.”