The Fiji Met service says there is a possibility that tropical cyclone Rene could become a hurricane in the next 24 hours.
It says the cyclone, which is near the Northern Cook Islands, is beginning to turn south and assume a southwest track towards the Samoa group and Niue and the cyclone is intensifying.
The National Weather service in American Samoa is now issuing gale warnings for Manua island and a storm watch for the main island, Tutuila.
Lead meteorologist at the weather office, Mase Akapo Akapo, says he expects the cyclone to be East of Manua tomorrow morning.
He is advising residents to prepare for damaging winds.
"It's going to pick up speed here in the next 12 hours as it begins to head to us and intensify. It is really deepening fast, that means by the time it gets to us it will probably be up at hurricane status."
Lead meteorologist at the weather office in American Samoa, Mase Akapo Akapo.
