Samoa on high alert for cyclone

Samoa is on high alert for the pending arrival of a category one cyclone.

The Pacific Island nation is being buffeted by strong winds as the tropical depression nears landfall. Heavy rainfall has also been reported offshore.

The Samoan Meteorology Division confirmed this afternoon it had upgraded the weather system to a cyclone.

It warned of flooding in low-lying coastal areas due to high surf. Owners of small craft and fishing boats have also been urged to head to shore.

At the peak of the cyclone "very rough and damaging swells" have been predicted.

Rain and thunderstorms were expected to lash Samoa later tonight.

The SMD also warned about over-flowing rivers, slippery roads, poor visibility, flooding, landslides and flying objects.

Sa Talamanu, an employee at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel on Apia's waterfront, said rain was bucketing down.

"It's so strong. It's windy too. It's been like that the whole day. It might be this whole weekend. It's so raining, so windy."

She said the hotel was about 80% full, with a large party from American Samoa there.

They'd been told of the severe weather expected to hit and were updating guests through regular weather bulletins.

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