Cook Islands Meteorological Services issued a heavy swell warning for both the Southern and Northern Cook Islands yesterday.

Also, a coastal flood warning was issued for those living in the coastal areas.

Yesterday, fishing boats were brought out of the harbour and on to the mainland as soon as the warning was issued.

Police closed off the main road around the seawall yesterday afternoon.

Motorists were advised to follow the traffic diversion put in place about 5pm. 

Police asked the public to stay alert to the heavy swells impacting the island yesterday, particularly those who were out in the water where the swells were heaviest.

Weather apps indicated swells from the Northwest were reaching over 2 metres throughout yesterday afternoon.

“Should any coastal roadways be affected, please drive with care.”  

With this the Meteorological Services director Arona Ngari has also confirmed that the high swells being felt in the Northern Group islands are not king tides.

This week a video circulated on social media of the sea water hitting the shores and a few metres onto the main land in Omoka, Penrhyn.

Ngari said the northern group is not experiencing king tides as king tides only occur after a new moon or full moon.

He said: “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.

“We are two days short of the full moon.”

He said the highest tide predicted for this month was observed 10 days ago on January 13 at 11.24pm at a height of 1.24 metres. 

He explained that what is being seen at the moment are swells that are due to swells produced in the northern hemisphere that traversed into the southern hemisphere as some island states in the north were also affected.

He advised that these swells are expected to abate early this morning.

Penrhyn Island’s executive officer Puna Vano said he spoke with his second in command on the island and can confirm that they were not badly affected.

He said the high swells hit the southwest part of the island which was more on the reef side of Omoka. The reef side is the highest point, he explained.

He said the waves were big but they knew it wouldn't affect the island, however rubbish was washed ashore.

As of yesterday, Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) issued an advisory warning of significant swells impacting the northern and western (Arorangi to Matavera) low-lying coastlines of Rarotonga and the coastlines of other southern group islands.

EMCI says; these swells have already had some impact on the northern group island coastlines.

They have advised that everyone:

- Avoid entering the water or being near coastlines

- Drive carefully on coastal roads, be aware of waves or debris

- Remove boats or secure loose beachfront items

- Avoid parking vehicles near coastlines

The next high tide in Rarotonga was expected around 8.24pm last night.

And it was warned that waves may cause damage and pose enhanced risk to safety at this time.

Northern Cook's next high tide was expected at 6pm.

“Expect sea flooding during high tides. We advise to not panic but do take heed of the advice,” EMCI states.