Shipping services cancelled as cyclone downgraded

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 11 February 2019, 12:00AM

Samoa Shipping Corporation yesterday advised services between Upolu and Savai’i were cancelled due to bad weather.

The cancellation went ahead despite the Samoa Meteorology Service saying Tropical Cyclone Neil had been downgraded. 

Scientific Officer with the Samoa Meteorology Service, Annie Maua, told Samoa Observer in an interview that Tropical Cyclone Neil has dissipated. 

But she said their advisory for heavy rain, flooding, winds and advisory for small crafts and fishing alias is still in effect.

“There is an active convergence zone creating gusty winds and rainfalls,” she added. 

According to the Samoa Meteorology Service, Severe Weather Information (no3) for Tropical Depression 08F the system’s potential to develop into a TC in the next 24-28 hours is moderate and is expected to maintain its southward movement from the current position. 

“An active convergence zone which links to TD 08F will continue to affect the group from time to time with showers of rain, gusty winds and high swells within the now-cast period,” stated the Met Office. 

“The system however will not pose a direct threat to Samoa.”

The next Severe Weather Information for TD08F was issued today at 5am.

The Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd issued a notice yesterday that due to bad weather conditions the normal trips for yesterday have been cancelled and if weather conditions persist services will continue to be closed until further notice. 

“However, if there is any change in weather situation and there is a chance that sailing will be safe to continue you will all be informed,” it stated. 

“We thank you for your patience and understanding regarding the situation. We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to these changes.”

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 11 February 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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