Cook Islanders are being urged to get ready as a tropical depression brews in the country’s waters, according to the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
A tropical cyclone alert is now in force for the Cook Islands as TD01F moves towards the Southern Cook Islands.
The system is expected to strengthen and may develop into a category 1 tropical cyclone within the next 12-18 hours.
The Service’s Director Maara Vaiimene said people should check around their houses for any loose objects that could become a problem when the wind comes.
“Make sure your house roof is steady, check on nearby trees that won’t become a problem during strong winds,” he said.
“Look at your communications, in terms of radio or tv, in the event the power goes out. People should also make sure they can communicate with neighbours or family to ensure they are safe, and that you are safe.”
Vaiimene said the Emergency Cook Islands team has a response guideline for what people need to do in the event that the tropical depression becomes a tropical cyclone.
The Meteorological Service, which is working closely with the Fiji Meteorological Service, said the wind conditions associated with the tropical depression were similar to a tropical cyclone status.
“In the latest bulletin, they have indicated that the chances of the tropical depression forming in a tropical cyclone in the next day or two is high,” Vaiimene said.
The Cook Islands is currently in an el nino climate situation.
Vaiimene said the El Niño weather phase over the region is contributing to the unusually early development of a possible tropical cyclone.
The official tropical cyclone season starts on November 1.
Earth Sciences New Zealand has predicted elevated cyclone activity for parts of the Pacific in the coming cyclone season.
