As strong winds continued to batter Rarotonga yesterday, families and businesses faced ongoing impacts from the extreme weather arising from a passing tropical disturbance.

Local businesses and residents were seen preparing for the extreme weather by installing cyclone shutters to protect their windows and homes from falling trees and debris. This included several families in Tupapa and some businesses in Avatiu.

One of the businesses, Tina & Co Events and Tiles in Avatiu, experienced a broken glass door due to strong winds, though the workers remain optimistic about further impacts.

Following the damage, the business decided to install shutters to cover their other glass door, protecting it from the strong winds experienced on the island yesterday afternoon.

Cook Islands News also witnessed a family in Tupapa putting up cyclone shutters to cover their windows.

One of the major businesses in Avarua that is prone to the impacts of heavy swells is Trader Jacks. Located adjacent to the Avarua harbour, the restaurant frequently experiences inundation from debris carried by strong currents.

Cleaning efforts continued to remove debris from the shores of the harbour and from the sea.

Despite advisories from the Cook Islands Meteorology Service against swimming, teenagers were sighted swimming at Trader Jack’s Harbour yesterday amid heavy rain and strong waves.