The Cook Islands Meteorological Service says the high sea swells affecting both the Northern and Southern groups are expected to calm down later today.

On Tuesday, the weather office, in conjunction with Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) and Cook Islands Police Service, issued a warning and advised the public on the high sea swells.

Weather officer Manea Maretavu says the sea swells were first forecast for Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau, and later Penrhyn over the weekend. As of Tuesday, an advisory was issued for both groups stating that the swells would be severe and continue through yesterday and for 24 hours from then.

Maretavu said the swells would be worse at high tide.

“Right now, the staff are monitoring the system for the next 24 hours and we will see from there how we go about with these heavy swells,” he said.

Maretavu said there has not been any major impact reported for the outer islands (Pa Enua) as they are well prepared, especially the Northern Group. “They managed to secure everything that was closer to the low-lying areas.”

The Nikao seawall road has been closed since Tuesday due to the high sea swells. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/240124101

He requested that the public heed the warning issued by EMCI and keep an eye out for any road closures, and for fishermen and surfers to stay home.

Mauke resident Jean-Marie Francis said they witnessed high waves but it didn’t affect the island. Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano also said no damages were reported.

Earlier this week, weather director Arona Ngari said the swells were not king tides, as king tides only occur after a new moon or full moon.

Ngari explained: “These are not king tides since king tides only occur just after a new moon or full moon when the gravitational forces of the sun and moon combine to exert a stronger pull on the oceans.”

He said the highest tide predicted for this month was observed on January 13 at 11.24pm at a height of 1.24 metres.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday, the weather office continued to issue heavy swell warnings for both the Southern and Northern Groups as well as coastal flooding.