The Disaster Advisory Committee of the National Emergency Operations Centre (N.E.O.C.) has appealed to residents living within the vicinity of the Lelata Bridge and Vaisigano River to evacuate and move to higher ground.

The warning to the residents was sent out by the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet at 9.14pm Thursday night as Samoa continues to experience heavy rain. 

"Lelata Bridge and Vaisigano River Area Advise: Samoa will be experiencing heavy rainfall throughout the night. Please be advise for families living around these areas to take safety measures and precaution. Evacuate immediately if possible to nearby places. Contact 911 or 997 for emergency help," states the precautionary advise.

Meanwhile Apia experienced morning sunshine for the first time this week on Thursday and ferry services resumed but the country’s recent run of bad weather is unlikely to disappear soon.

Despite the seemingly recent better weather, the Samoa Meteorological Office is warning that a heavy rain warning, marine warning, and flood warning all remain in force. 

Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Zazu Category is expected to weaken within the next day, the MET Office says.

“Tropical Cyclone Zazu Category 2 was located South Southeast of Niue this morning and it continues to track southeast to its projected path with the speed of 33kilometres per hour,” the Office’s most recent weather warning reads. 

“This system may weaken within the next 12-24 hours.”

An active convergence zone associated with rain and gusty winds linked to the Tropical Cyclone to the nation’s south, is expected to continue bringing brief periods of heavy rain and gusty winds. 

Periods of high waves combined with strong swells, flooding to all major rivers and vulnerable locations are also possible, the Office warnings. 

“All warnings and advisories remain for all of Samoa,” the office said.

Only a previous win warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory. 

The forecast for both Savai’i and Upolu includes periods of rain and brief heavy falls with few thunderstorms and gusty winds at times.

The Office is warning people to look out for heavy downpours with poor visibility, gusty winds, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, and pooling near roadsides and waterways.

The public should also anticipate very rough seas and high surf, with possible coastal flooding at exposed locations and river overflows and landslides.

•This story was updated at 12.00am Samoa Time to include the appeal from the Disaster Advisory Committee of the National Emergency Operations Centre (N.E.O.C.).