Meteorology Division warns of strong winds

By Marc Membrere 25 August 2020, 9:30PM

The Samoa Meteorology Division says a small craft advisory is currently in effect for all coastal to open waters and has cautioned of strong winds.

A wind advisory also remains in force for the country's highlands, eastern to southern facing shores.

According to a severe weather information bulletin issued by the Samoa Meteorology Division on Tuesday evening, fresh to strong southeast to east winds and high swells continue to impact the island chain due to an intense high-pressure system to the southeast as it continues to make its way eastward.

"Current observations show the wind strength and high swells remaining above the advisory threshold. This high-pressure system will sink southeast and will thus decrease wind strength and wave activities by tomorrow. 

"Another high-pressure system to the southwest will build over the group by Thursday and will again introduce fresh winds for the group."

Potential impacts include fresh to strong winds with strong currents as well as rough seas. 

Samoa Meteorology Division Principal Scientific Officer, Silipa Mulitalo, said in a response to Samoa Observer queries that it is possible for winds to be as strong as 50 kilometres an hour.

"We are experiencing winds ranging from the 35-45 kilometres an hour for most parts of the country due to an intense high-pressure ridge building over our forecast zone," he said.

"It is possible to get wind gust above 50 kilometres an hour at times, particularly during the day.

"Secondly, winds are expected to weaken slightly by tomorrow [Wednesday] generally below 35 kilometres an hour. However, by late Thursday towards the weekend, another high-pressure system may move over Samoa possibly with similar conditions that we are currently experiencing.

"Moreover, as with most high-pressure systems minimal rainfall activity is predicted to be associated with dry and cool air moving from the southeast. However, we will see some rainfall scatter around the southern, eastern parts and mountainous areas of Samoa in the next few days.

 "An advisory for small craft remains in effect for all coastal and open waters of Samoa due to high swells and large waves. This is likely to remain for the rest of the week."

By Marc Membrere 25 August 2020, 9:30PM

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