RNZI: A category 1 tropical cyclone has developed about 370 kilometres northwest of New Caledonia but is not expected to reach land.
Cyclone Ola was located near 17.5 degrees south, 161.6 degrees east, at 310000 UTC or 1pm New Zealand time.
The New Zealand Metservice says the cyclone is in open waters, and is not expected to make landfall, or pose any risk to New Caledonia.
It says to expect sustained winds of 35 knots increasing to 45 knots by 7am Sunday, New Zealand time.
Cyclone Ola is expected to be about 300 kilometres from the northwest tip of New Caledonia by about 10pm.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Metservice says the disturbance near Samoa has weakened, and is not expected to develop into a cyclone.
Samoa is continuing to experience heavy rain, with some low lying areas around Apia flooded.
Some families in Matautu-uta village as well as Taufusi, Fugalei, and Saleufi in the town area have also been affected.
Rivers are also flooded, and families living nearby have been warned to move to higher ground.
And in American Samoa over four inches of rain fell overnight with the national weather service continuing a flash flood watch for Tutuila and Aunuu until tonight and a warning for Manu’a.
Our correspondent there says the heavy rainfall experienced last night may be mild compared to the pounding Manu’a has been getting since early this morning.
Meteorologist Elinor Lutu McMoore says people should prepare for continued heavy rainfall and gusty winds today.
“What’s affecting us in terms of the showers and the winds is really this active monsoon trough that’s sitting stationary over the Samoan islands.”
Elinor Lutu McMoore says the monsoonal trough lying over the Samoa group is expected to gradually move away by tomorrow.
All catholic schools and Manumalo baptist School have cancelled classes for today.
– RNZI
