Two powerful cyclones born near Samoa

Two powerful tropical cyclones were born near Samoa early today, with weather authorities warning people to prepare for damaging storms.

The Tropical Cyclone Centre in Fiji said Cyclone Olaf had formed north-east of Samoa and was developing strongly. Early today it was 426 nautical miles east of the capital Apia.

On its projected track, Olaf was expected to cause damaging gale-force winds or stronger in Samoa within the next 24 to 48 hours, the centre said, with rain becoming frequent and heavy, seas becoming very rough, and damaging heavy swells expected.

Cyclone Nancy has formed north-east of Pago Pago in American Samoa, and the Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre says it will also intensify. It is projecting Nancy to turn toward the south and head towards the Cook Islands of Aitutaki and Rarotonga, which narrowly escaped severe damage in a cyclone last week.

- AAP