The cyclone season is upon us and people have to take heed of weather warnings as the likelihood of heavy rain, flooding and storms has increased.

Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services Authority Tanuvasa Petone Mauga wants the public to get serious and be prepared.

Speaking to Samoa Observer after their rescue mission in Savaii to recover the body of an 18-year-old who drowned while gathering palolo at Papa, Sataua.

Tanuvasa said people are taking warnings lightly and many fail to prepare for the cyclone season.

"It's good to prepare in advance so that when a natural disaster hit us during this cyclone season, we are prepared," he said.

Tanuvasa said an emergency bag should always be the priority and ensure there is clean water and enough dry goods.

"We've been through a lot of cyclones in the past and it is revealed that a lot of families suffering were the ones that weren't prepared for times like such," he said.

He said families living in low-lying areas should have a plan to relocate to when flooding hits.

"Families living closer to rivers should also think of where to relocate to when these rivers flow heavily and onto the lands," he added.

Tanuvasa said preparing is very important during this season and it will assist families from suffering when a hurricane or a natural disaster hits Samoa.

Two lives were taken at sea in Savaii on Friday and Tanuvasa again reminded people to prioritise safety.

According to the Samoa Meteorology Office, Samoa can expect two cyclones to form in or pass through the 400km radius this tropical cyclone season

One tropical cyclone may reach Category 3 or greater intensity. The cyclone risk for Samoa this season compared to all tropical cyclone seasons is “Normal to Reduced”.

The TC season extends from November to April 2025 with peak TC activity normally experienced from January to March. The current El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) status is La Nina Watch, with global climate models predicting La Nina to eventuate through to early 2025.

The rainfall outlook for Samoa in the upcoming season is expected to be “Above Normal”, with a high potential for increased rainfall and associated flood risks. Warmer than normal air temperatures for the next six months are expected.