Despite strong winds and heavy swells, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service has downplayed the likelihood of the current weather disturbance developing into a tropical cyclone.

There is a “low” chance of the current weather disturbance developing into a tropical cyclone, says Maara Vaiimene, director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Speaking to Cook Islands News, Vaiimene addressed public concerns about the storm, emphasising that while it is an active weather system, it is unlikely to reach cyclone status.

This follows concerns from members of the public whether the current disturbances and strong winds and ocean currents are signs of a cyclone that is to come.

Yesterday, Rarotonga experienced strong winds and periods of heavy rain as heavy swells continued.

“I get asked that question of what’s the potential of this disturbance becoming a tropical cyclone? At the moment, the potential of it becoming a tropical cyclone is very low,” Vaiimene explained.

He noted two main factors contributing to the low likelihood.

“One, because it’s moving into cooler waters with the south of Rarotonga. Secondly, it’s moving at about 20 kilometres an hour so that’s quite fast for a disturbance to be moving at that speed.”

According to Vaiimene, if the disturbance were moving slower and closer to Rarotonga, the potential for cyclone development might be higher.

However, given its current trajectory, he emphasised that there is little likelihood of it strengthening into a tropical cyclone.

Vaiimene also reassured the public that the Meteorological Service continues to closely monitor the situation.

“From the Met office, we continue to ask the public to stay informed with the bulletins,” he said. “It’s on our radio, newspaper and also through social media. We have a Facebook page and that’s with updates of whether or not we’re going into it.”

According to the weather update issued by the Meteorological Service yesterday afternoon, a strong wind warning remains in force for the Southern Cook Islands, with northwesterly winds gusting up to 35 knots.

Additionally, a coastal inundation warning and a damaging heavy swell warning have been issued for the region.

Sea flooding is expected to affect low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tides. Occasional rain, heavy at times, and thunderstorms are forecast.

Rarotonga is expected to experience intermittent heavy rainfall, while the Northern Cook Islands will see cloudy periods with brief showers.

The swell warnings remain in effect for open waters, with damaging swells of up to 4.5 metres.

Cook Islands Police have urged motorists and motorcyclists to exercise care on the roads amid the current weather.

“Police are maintaining a watchful eye on the conditions, particularly around the seawall,” police stated yesterday.

“The road is presently getting sea-sprayed occasionally but the swells are expected to subside with the receding tide. Further turbulent seas are expected tomorrow (today) with similar high swells.”