Early-season Cyclone Wati forms in Cook Islands waters, prompting safety alerts

A tropical depression over Cook Islands waters has upgraded to Category 1 Cyclone Wati, tracking southeastward. This marks the region's first cyclone before the scheduled start of the South Pacific season, a development linked by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service to the prevailing El Niño climate pattern. The Cook Islands Meteorological Service Director, Maara Vaiimene, highlighted the unusual timing.

Emergency officials have released a checklist urging people to fasten loose items, verify emergency kits and refrain from unsafe marine activities. Fishermen and inter-island vessels are asked to monitor marine warnings closely. Ongoing updates are being provided through official channels as the weather system continues to strengthen.