A low-pressure system being monitored by weather authorities and Emergency Management Cook Islands is tracking to pass south of Rarotonga over the weekend.

In a statement, Police said residents, visitors and motorists, particularly around the west side of the island, should be aware that the coastal area from the seawall at Nikao around to the south is likely to be impacted by strong winds and sea swells.

“Please exercise caution and try to avoid roadways that may be affected.”

According to the Cook Islands Meteorological Service weather bulletin released at 7.22pm last night, a strong wind warning remains in force for the waters and land areas of Southern Cook Islands.

“A coastal inundation alert is now in force for low lying coastal areas of Southern Cooks,” the weather bulletin said.

It adds that a trough of low pressure is expected to affect the group from today and is also expected to generate and direct damaging heavy swells during high tides which may lead to sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas.

For Rarotonga, cloudy periods with showers and possible isolated thunderstorms are expected. A further outlook predicts strong northerly winds of 20 to 25 knots developing over land areas.