As of midnight Tropical Cyclone Amos had stalled near Savaii and intensifying.
After it appeared that it was set on a determined path, and picking up speed yesterday, last night Amos seemed to veer slightly closer to Savaii and away from Tutuila and Manu’a.
It also seemed to stop in its tracks, stalling as it approached the western group of islands in the Samoan archipelago.
Meteorologist Elinor Lutu McMoore told KHJ News last night that if it continues on this track, Amos will veer to the south of us.
As of midnight Thursday Amos was packing hurricane force winds and was classified as a category 1 cyclone under the US system.
The system used by Samoa to classify winds would put Amos in a category 3 Tropical Cyclone, classified as severe.
McMoore said TC Amos is expected to hit Upolu and Savaii today, Friday, and the strongest winds will be felt in the big island of Savaii.
As for us in American Samoa , McMoore says we will still be impacted but the extent would not be as severe as predicted earlier.
But she cautions that Amos keeps changing movements and we are not in the clear.
The meteorologist says residents should still prepare for the worst.
The storm watch issued yesterday continues as well as a high surf advisory, a small craft advisory and a flash flood watch.
For this morning heavy rains are expected. And tonight Tutuila, Aunuu and Swains should brace for tropical storm force winds of 45 to 50 miles per hour with higher gusts after midnight tonight.
For Manu’a, north winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour will increase to 40 to 45 miles per hour with higher gusts early Saturday morning.
