Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Damaging winds and rain are forecast for several islands in the southern Cook Islands as Cyclone Pat approaches.

The Category 3 cyclone with gusts of up to 180km/h, was within 100km of Aitutaki and 350km east of Rarotonga on Wednesday night.

The cyclone was tending southwest at 9 knots and was expected to accelerate further in this direction, Radio New Zealand International reports.

Hurricane-force winds and heavy rain are expected to batter Aitutaki overnight, as well as damaging sea swells with coastal flooding.

Gale force winds are expected in Rarotonga by Thursday afternoon.

Cook Islands police say most of the people living in low-lying areas have been moved to higher ground and the emergency centre is operating.

Guests at hotels, including those at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, have been moved inland.