Tropical Depression TD01F developed into Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Wati this morning as it tracked toward the Cook Islands, according to the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji. The tropical cyclone is located near Suwarrow in the Northern Cook Islands and is moving southeast toward the Southern Cook Islands. CIMS
Tropical Depression TD01F developed into Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Wati this morning as it tracked toward the Cook Islands, according to the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji.
TC Wati has formed outside the official South Pacific tropical cyclone season, which runs from November 1 to April 30.
According to the latest weather update, the tropical cyclone is located near Suwarrow in the Northern Cook Islands and is moving southeast toward the Southern Cook Islands.
RSMC Nadi reports that the system is intensifying, with sustained winds near its centre estimated at 40 knots (approximately 74 km/h). The cyclone has a central pressure of 994 hectopascals and is moving southeast at about 15 km/h.
These winds are expected to strengthen to 60 knots (about 111 km/h) by 8am tomorrow, October 17 (Cook Islands time).
The forecast track shows TC Wati moving southeast through the Cook Islands region, with the system expected to intensify to Category 2 as it approaches areas near Suwarrow and Aitutaki.
The projected path places the cyclone near 13.2 degrees south and 162.7 degrees west by 8pm today, before reaching 14.7 degrees south and 162.3 degrees west by 8am tomorrow.
Forecast maps indicate that Wati could remain a Category 2 cyclone through October 17 before weakening as it continues southeast toward French Polynesia.
- Additional reporting from The Fiji Times