Safe haven for vessels

Cook Islands Meteorological Services director Arona Ngari said strong winds associated with the recent rainy weather have calmed down.

He said: "The south easterly winds have abated allowing boat owners to bring back their boats into the Avatiu harbour using the north easterly winds which has also brought in a bit of moisture."

On Thursday night, Ngari said the 24-hour period almost surpassed the August average of 99mm.

He said the heaviest rainfall was at 9pm on Thursday with 24.4mm per hour for Nikao.