Tropical Cyclone Wati has strengthened to Category 2, with its forecast path bringing the system close to Aitutaki in the southern Cook Islands by tomorrow morning.

At 11am local time today, the cyclone was located near 15.2 degrees south and 162.9 degrees west, approximately 220 kilometres south of Suwarrow.

Wati is generating sustained winds of around 100 kilometres per hour near its centre, with gusts reaching up to 140 kilometres per hour. The system is moving south-southeast at approximately 14 kilometres per hour.

According to the forecast, the cyclone’s centre is expected to pass about 200 kilometres northeast of Palmerston Island and 310 kilometres northwest of Aitutaki by 11pm tonight.

By 11am tomorrow, Wati is forecast to move approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Aitutaki, bringing the system close to the island.

Residents throughout the southern Cook Islands, along with mariners and those travelling by sea, are urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather bulletins and take appropriate precautions as the cyclone progresses.

The Fiji Meteorological Service will continue tracking Tropical Cyclone Wati and issue further updates as necessary.

Communities are encouraged to stay informed and follow instructions from local authorities as weather conditions develop.