A small craft advisory is in effect for the territory as tropical depression 08f was centered about 450 nautical miles west of Pago Pago nearly stationary, yesterday afternoon. Strong winds aloft are enhancing scattered showers on Upolu and Savaii.

Computer models suggest widespread showers entering Savaii and Upolu then spreading across Tutuila eastward during the next couple of days.

A surface to mid-level ridge to the northeast of the region will aid to keep TD 08f southwest of the area hence northeast winds of 10 to 15 kt will pick up speed on Sunday morning to near 15 to 25 kt before turning north on Sunday afternoon at 20 to 30 kt.

If models are correct, local winds will change direction on Sunday evening as it turns northwest at 25 to 30 kt Sunday night into Monday morning.

Gusty winds are expected to climb to near 40 kt and isolated thunderstorms are possible.

In Samoa, the Meteorology Office at Sogi assured the public there is no cyclone. They said the tropical depression was moving away from Samoa towards Fiji.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fata Lagomauitua Sunny Seuseu said there is no need to panic.

“We are under a tropical disturbance,” he said. “The heavy rain is caused by a convergence zone that lies over Samoa and links to a developing low pressure system to the northwest of the associated clouds.

“We will expect clouds and heavy rain for the next 24 hours.