TD09F May Develop into Tropical Cyclone Category 1 by this afternoon

Issued 5am Friday 21 February 2020.

Tropical Depression TD09F currently impacts Samoa with associated heavy rain and damaging gusty winds. This system is expected to move South East to the South of American Samoa and may develop into Tropical Cyclone Category 1 wind strength by this afternoon.

The potential for this system to develop into a cyclone in the next 12-24 hours is moderate.

Expect periods of heavy rain, damaging gusty winds and damaging heavy swells for this morning.

Another low pressure system has been identified  developing to the South East of Tuvalu this morning also predicted to move near Samoa this evening with slight development and may bring similar weather conditions.

Potential Impacts:

Heavy downpours with poor visibility, strong and gusty winds with flying objects, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, strong river outflow and landslides, pooling near roadsides and waterways. Strong currents as well as rough seas and coastal inundation. Uproot breakable trees.

(The next severe weather information will be issued at 5pm )