06:00 pm Monday, Samoa time…Widespread flooding in low lying areas of Samoa is now testament of what is to be expected around the country as the predicted strong winds start to be felt through gusty bursts.
Essential services are starting to feel the pressure of the rain and associated intensifying winds with widespread flooding in the town area causing havoc with the travelling public especially at after work peak hour.
The Samoa Government has closed public schools for two days and private schools have done the same,
Ferry sailings between Upolu and Savaii were cancelled and flight service to American Samoa followed suit later in the day.
Both Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways cancelled afternoon flights as winds hit the predicted 45 to 55 kilometrers per hour, mostly in the open waters.
Bad weather also delayed Samoa Airways Monday flight to Auckland, New Zealand for 10 hours.
Moamoa
Strong gusty winds started on the big island Savaii late Sunday afternoon and continued intermittently Monday in the north western part of the island.
A matai of Vaisala, Savaii told KHJ News by telephone this afternoon that rain was falling heavily but not for extended periods of time.
“We can feel there is something out there and we can only prepare and hope it doesn’t pick up in intensity,” he said.
According to the Samoa Metrological Service a deep low pressure system lies within the vicinity of Samoa.
“The active cloud band and strong gusty winds will likely impact Samoa later today into tonight as the active band of clouds and deep convections will slightly drift southward over the Samoa islands,” said the latest forecast.
According to the latest weather report at 5pm this evening, the most active system is situated to the southeast.
Pesega
This system is expected to maintain its southeast movement within the next 24hours with slight development.
The low pressure system to the Northwest of Sava’ii may follow a similar path.
But, the associated active convergence links to both system is most likely to bring damaging gusty winds, torrential rain and damaging heavy swells this evening towards tomorrow.
