Cyclone Percy continues to threaten Cook Islands
- Pays
- Cook (Îles Cook)
- Sources
- ABC
- Date de publication
Tropical Cyclone Percy continues to travel south in the Cook Islands, after sideswiping Palmerston atoll overnight.
The atoll's 50 residents are reported to be safe despite the strength of the cyclone.
The Australian-Pacific Centre for Emergency and Disaster Information says although Percy came no closer than 160 kilometres from Palmerston, the next 12 to 24 hours are crucial.
At last report, Percy is forecast to maintain current strength or gradually weaken and then continue to gradually weaken thereafter before turning southeast.
Forecasters say the timing of the turn could be critical for Rarotonga and Mangaia with current predictions bringing the storm no closer than 320 kilometres from either island.
Authorities say despite the distance, there will still be a strong tidal surge and damaging gales especially on the west and southwest coasts of both islands.