17 Feb 2024 | 03:01 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Tropical Cyclone 15 tracking east-southeastward away from the Southern Cook Islands evening Feb. 16 /update 1
TC 15 tracking east-southeastward in South Pacific Ocean away from Cook Islands evening Feb. 16. Adverse weather likely through Feb. 17.
Tropical Cyclone 15 is tracking east-southeastward in the South Pacific Ocean away from the Cook Islands the evening of Feb. 16. As of 17:00 CKT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 550 km (342 miles) east-southeast of Rarotonga Island, Southern Cook Islands.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain its strength as it tracks generally south-southeastward away from the Southern Cook Islands through at least early Feb. 17. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of the evening of Feb. 16, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service is maintaining strong wind warnings across the Southern Cook Islands and a coastal inundation warning for all low-lying coastal areas of Southern Cook Islands. The adverse weather is likely to persist through at least Feb. 17.
Air Rarotonga canceled flights to Aitutaki the afternoon of Feb. 16. Avatiu Port is closed until further notice; all vessels have been evacuated. All schools in Rarotonga are closed Feb. 16.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical cyclone conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that officials may issue. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surges. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only - power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the storm's path, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
