A tropical cyclone alert is now
in force for the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands
Meteorological Service (CIMS) said tropical depression TD01F
is moving south towards the Southern Cook Islands.
It
said the system is expected to strengthen and may develop
into a category 1 tropical cyclone within the next 24
hours.
At 8am local time, TD01F was located
approximately about 352 km north of the ow lying coral
atoll, Suwarrow.
The system currently has sustained
winds of around 46 km/h near its centre. It is moving
southwards and is expected to turn
south-southeastwards.
On its current forecast track,
the system is expected to pass close to Suwarrow within the
next 24-36 hours before moving towards the Southern Cook
Islands.
Winds from the east to southeast at
37-46km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h are for
Suwarrow.
Damaging gale-force winds may develop from
later tonight, with sustained winds around 65 km/h and gusts
up to 93 km/h.
Frequent and heavy rain with squally
thunderstorms becoming frequent and heavy.
Very rough
to high seas and damaging heavy swells.
What should
you do now
- Secure loose items around your home
and property. - Check your emergency supplies and
household plans. - Fishermen, boat operators and
inter-island vessels should closely monitor marine forecasts
and warnings and avoid going to sea if conditions are
unsafe. - Keep checking official CIMS updates and
follow advice from the relevant
authorities.
Earth Sciences New Zealand has
predicted elevated cyclone activity for parts of the
Pacific in the coming cyclone season.
The official
tropical cyclone season starts on November
1.
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