A powerful weather system caused widespread chaos across Samoa on Thursday night and into Friday morning, as heavy rain led to flooding, infrastructure damage, and significant traffic delays. 

The Samoa Meteorological Service (SMS) issued a severe weather update on Thursday afternoon, alerting the public to the likelihood of heavy rain and a flood advisory for several regions of the country. 

The advisory predicted heavy downpours with poor visibility, slippery roads, and the potential for landslides, all of which materialised as the weather system progressed.

By Friday afternoon, the severe weather warning remained in effect for all land areas of Samoa, with continued flood warnings for major rivers and vulnerable areas.

Apia alone experienced 147 millimetres by Friday morning equating to nearly 15 centimetres (about 5.8 inches) of water, a significant amount that could overwhelm areas lacking proper drainage systems. Such heavy rainfall, when concentrated over a short time, can result in severe flooding, as was the case in several parts of Apia.

In Apia, the capital, the effects of the storm were visible as flooded streets disrupted the daily routine. Severe flooding was reported in low-lying areas such as Fugalei, Taufusi, Savalalo, Saleufi, Matautu, Moamoa, and other vulnerable spots. 

Numerous businesses in these areas were forced to close their doors in the morning to clean up debris and clear flooded facilities before resuming operations. In some cases, the waters brought in significant amounts of rubbish, which required extensive cleaning efforts before business owners could reopen.

The heavy rainfall also caused significant damage to infrastructure, particularly roads. Extreme water runoff was reported on access roads in Lauli’i on Thursday evening, making driving dangerous. The public was urged to exercise caution and drive carefully to avoid accidents. 

By Friday morning, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that contractors had arrived at Lauli’i to clear excess debris and restore the area to a safe condition.

A minor landslide also occurred in Luatuanu'u, adding to the challenges faced by local authorities and residents. The Land Transport Authority advised motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads and to anticipate delays due to ongoing cleanup and repair work.

One of the most significant impacts of the storm was on traffic. Apia’s main roads were clogged with vehicles on Friday morning as commuters faced delays caused by floodwaters. The flooding created hazardous conditions in and around the city, slowing traffic and creating bottlenecks as people tried to make their way to work. 

The Land Transport Authority urged the public to exercise caution and plan for extra travel time as parts of the city’s road network were temporarily impassable.

As the heavy rain continued, authorities reminded the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions. For those in areas affected by floodwaters, the Samoa Meteorological Service emphasised the importance of avoiding flooded roads and not attempting to cross overflowing rivers.