The Samoa Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain warning and a flood advisory for all of Samoa late Thursday as thunderstorms and torrential rain engulfed the country.

The weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Service at 5pm on Thursday emphasised that heavy rain and flood warnings are now current for all of Samoa.

In a severe weather information report, the Meteorological Service said a low-pressure system with embedded heavy falls, gusty winds and thunderstorms lies within the vicinity of Samoa and is causing the bad weather.

Latest satellite observations done on Thursday afternoon showed a convective cloud band that will continue to affect the country on Thursday and Friday evenings, bringing severe weather conditions for Samoa.

“A heavy rain warning is now enforced for all areas of Samoa and also flood advisory is in effect for all major rivers and low lying areas,” the report said.

The potential impacts are heavy downpour, poor visibility, gusty winds, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges as well as pooling near roadsides and waterways.

A small craft advisory has also been issued for all coastal to open waters, which is especially important for local fishermen, who plan to take their boats out for the palolo rising on Thursday and Friday nights.

The projected palolo rising dates for this month are October 8, 9 and 10.

An intense high-pressure system causing strong currents and rough seas, located southeast of Papeete, Tahiti continues to direct moderate easterly winds over the group, the Meteorological Service added.

Their latest weather observations show winds of 25 to 35 kilometer-per-hour with waves and swells measuring 2.5 to 3 meters, affecting the coastal to open waters of Samoa.

The ocean conditions may abate by Friday morning but the small craft advisory remains in effect for all coastal waters of the islands.