People in American Samoa have been hammering down roofs, putting up shutters and stocking up on water and food in preparation for the bad weather.
Shops have either run out or have low supplies of tarpaulins, wood and torches.
The tuna cannery, Samoa Packing, has cancelled the start of production for the year due to the approaching cyclone.
American Samoa's Harbour master says many sea routes are now closed to all small craft until further notice.
Flights from Honolulu have also been cancelled as the routes run near to the the cyclones path.
