Leauvaa stands out as the rainiest spot in Samoa during much of the past sodden week; it recorded total precipitation of 203.2 mm on Thursday alone.

The findings were relayed by a Weather Scientific Officer from the Samoa Meteorological Service, Maccarios Auvae, in an interview with the Samoa Observer. The research is based on rainfall data from around the country and collected this week from February 17 to 20.

Mr. Auvae added that the highest wind speed recorded was 33 knots (nearly 38 miles per hour) on Friday.

“The cause of such high amount of rainfall recorded was due to Samoa experiencing three tropical disturbances [...] one of which developed into a tropical depression which has passed Samoa,” he said.

The Weather Scientific Officer told the Samoa Observer that the heavy rainfall has had a major impact in Samoa especially in the urban areas of Upolu.

“Due to heavy rainfall some areas around Apia are flooded," he said. 

“And also because the soil is saturated or wet because it has been raining frequently this week which is why it is prone to flooding especially with the town area that does not have anywhere the water can go and in a way becomes trapped.

“At the moment our predictions is that by Sunday the weather will ease up but it won’t be fine but it is important to note that it can change.”

On Friday afternoon the Samoa Meteorological Service issued a public notice saying that the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (R.S.M.C.) from Fiji had named Tropical Depression 09F as Tropical Cyclone Vicky Category 1 at 12:30pm. It lies off the southwest of American Samoa.

“Wind, heavy rain, flood warnings are still in effect for the whole of Samoa with coastal flood advisory and small craft advisory also in place," the Service said in a statement.

“Potential impacts include: heavy  downpours with poor visibility, strong and gusty winds with flying objects, foggy and slippery roads over mountain passes and ranges, strong river outflow and landslides, pooling near roadsides and waterways."