Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) has urged public to be cautious of localised flash flooding following the heavy rain yesterday.

EMCI and Cook Islands Meteorological Service are monitoring the current weather conditions and forecast.

Heavy rain and strong winds will continue to impact Southern Group islands until Wednesday evening, in particular Rarotonga and Mangaia, they said.

“High 36 hours rainfall totals of 200-230mm could be experienced including some very heavy downpours at times up to 40mm/hr. Strong south-easterly winds will continue to blow overnight, before changing to north-westerly winds by Wednesday morning, reaching 25-30 knots,” EMCI said in a statement yesterday.

“The public is urged to be cautious of localised flash flooding, falling branches and trees, and be particularly careful on our roads.”

Met Office director Arona Ngari said a trough of low pressure moving onto the Southern Cook Islands will be present for the next few days. 

The Met Office has also issued a strong wind warning for water and land area for the southern Cook Islands.

Meanwhile, heavy rain yesterday failed to deter Landholdings Ltd workers who were busy completing pavement work in front of Trader Jacks.

Cook Islands News contacted Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) for details of the ongoing project.