The first tropical cyclone of 2023 in the South Pacific was named on Sunday afternoon and is expected to hit New Zealand early this week, wreaking more havoc across the North Island but poses no threat to Samoa.

Cyclone Hale was located southwest of New Caledonia at midday on Sunday and is expected to approach the northeast of the North Island on Monday and Tuesday.

According to the Samoa Meteorological Services while Cyclone Hale’s trajectory is away from Samoa, there is still a convergence zone over the group.

The weather office said because of this, a heavy rain and flood advisory was still on for the nation because of the high amount of rainfall experienced over the weekend meant there was high water saturation in the ground and even a little rainfall could cause flooding.

“However, cloudy and moist weather conditions as observed north of the country is expected to impact Samoa by tonight (Sunday) with heavy downpours and gusty periods. The aforementioned system will remain at its current position through Wednesday,” said the weather office in its report issued on Sunday at 5pm.

“Thenceforth, heavy rain and riverine flooding is still possible for the next three days. Therefore, the above highlighted advisories remain in effect for all land and flood-prone areas.”

Cyclone Hale will likely pass southwards over or near the eastern North Island of New Zealand on Wednesday, before moving away to the east.

“At this stage, there is some uncertainty regarding the timing and movement of Cyclone Hale, but it will likely bring a period of heavy rain, gale or severe gale winds and hazardous coastal conditions to parts of northern and central New Zealand from Monday evening through until Thursday morning,” said a New Zealand Metservice spokesperson told New Zealand Herald.

Meanwhile, the Samoa Meteorological Services has advised people living near streams and rivers to be careful and take precaution.

Police are advising parents to be mindful of their children especially when playing in the rain and to stay away from flooded drains, streams and rivers.

Motorists are being advised to take necessary precautions while driving as heqavy rain may lead to poor visibility.