7 Feb 2012

Minor flooding, fallen branches in American Samoa

10:03 am on 7 February 2012

The National Weather service in American Samoa is keeping a close watch on a tropical depression south of Fiji, which has an associated trough that's pushing rain and strong winds to the Samoa group.

Meteorologist Mase Akapo Akapo says a wind advisory issued last night is still in effect.

He says winds are clocking in at about 50 kilometres an hour and in valleys they are much stronger.

Heavy rainfall overnight caused some flooding, and fallen tree branches and billboard signs were on the road this morning.

Mase says he expects the winds and rain to taper off later today.

Meanwhile tropical cyclone Cyril is about 30 kilometres south west of Vava'u.

It is expected to move quickly away from the Tonga group in an eastsoutheasterly direction.