Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has intensified in the southwest Pacific, but the Samoa Meteorological Services says it poses no threat to Samoa.

The cyclone formed early Monday, 6 April, at around 1:00 a.m. (WST) northwest of Fiji as a Category 1 system. By 7:00 a.m., it had strengthened to Category 2, and by 10:30 p.m., it was upgraded to a Category 3 tropical cyclone.

Meteorologists say Vaianu is expected to continue moving southeast over the next 24 hours while maintaining its strength.

Meanwhile, Fiji is experiencing flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds, prompting the cancellation of sports events and temporary closures of schools, businesses, and services.

Vaianu is not expected to make landfall, but has already brought strong winds to Fiji, and a heavy rain warning is in force for the whole country. A flash flood warning is in place for Viti Levu, with an alert for the rest of the Fiji group.

Schools remain closed in Fiji on Tuesday. Vaianu will track offshore for a number of days, before curving into northern New Zealand this Sunday where a direct hit is certainly possible.

Both storms have reached category 3 severe tropical cyclone status.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has forecast gale force winds, very rough seas and widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms for the Western Province islands, as well as lesser impacts to other areas.

It said the weather may lead to possible landslides and flooding in communities near hill slopes, close to large rivers and streams, and low-lying areas.

A red alert is in place for Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, and an orange alert for Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira, Temnotu and Rennell/Bellona.

Elsewhere in the region, Tropical Cyclone Maila is currently in the Solomon Sea, northeast of Papua New Guinea. It has rapidly intensified and is classified as a severe system (Category 3 equivalent), moving southwest.