Jason Horn gets his boat out of the water after a tropical cyclone warning for Rarotonga. Photo: Rashneel Kumar/ 20021620

With another tropical cyclone brewing in the South Pacific, bringing heavy rain, huge swells and high winds, Cook Islands residents are told to be prepared.

Cook Islands is bracing for a second tropical cyclone in the South Pacific only a week after Tropical Cyclone Uesi lashed Australia and New Zealand.

Cook Islands Meteorological Services director Arona Ngari said residents can expect some nasty weather commencing today through until Tuesday.

In a special bulletin last night, the Met Service said a shallow tropical disturbance TD08F was analysed to the northwest of southern Cook Islands at 6pm.

The tropical disturbance was slow moving and expected to gradually intensify as it moves southeastwards just west of southern Cook Islands.

Arona Ngari said the system will bring some north to north-westerly winds and some heavy rain with it to Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

The special weather bulletin warned strong to damaging gale force northerly winds with speeds of 30 to 40 knots and momentary gusts to 55 knots.

It also said “very rough to high seas and damaging heavy northerly swells” are expected. Flooding including sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas is also expected.

Ngari said tracking of the storm can’t be predicted but it will be closely monitored.

February has always been the active month for cyclones in the Cook Islands where a number of storms can affect the country, but for this one, Ngari said people need to get themselves and their properties prepared.

Locals and visitors are also being warned to stay away from the beach.

“Stay clear of the beach, especially during the high tides - 4am and 4.19pm on Monday and 5am on Tuesday,” Ngari said.

“Ensure you and your property are safe also and call a friend or your family and tell them this could be a significant weather event.”

As a precautionary measure, fishing boats were ordered to be pulled out of the water at Avatiu Harbour by 4pm on Sunday as high winds and up to six metre swells were predicted to hit the western side of Rarotonga early today.

They will stay out of the water for at least three days, while larger vessels will be taken to the Eastern side of the island until the impending storm passes.

After ex-Tropical Cyclone Sarai caught Rarotonga off guard on New Year’s Day, tropical cyclone warnings are becoming an all too familiar occurrence at On The Beach Bar and Restaurant at Manuia Beach Resort.

On January 1, both the restaurant and kitchen area suffered significant damage and this time owner Philip Nordt and his staff are ready.

“That’s life I guess - you just have to get ready for it. Preparation can prevent some damage.”