18 Aug 2005

Flood warnings issued in American Samoa

2:01 pm on 18 August 2005

The National Weather Service in Pago Pago has issued a flash flood warning for American Samoa following heavy rain that started late last night.

The weather service warned that excessive runoff had caused flooding of low lying areas and road ways, resulting in overflowed streams which could have caused flash flooding of rivers along mountain passes and valleys.

The service says land slides and mud slides were possible as the heavy rainfall had saturated the grounds.

There are no reports of any incidents due to the bad weather which has not impacted air service between the two Samoas.

Motorists have been urged to be on alert for flooding, and cautioned all drivers not to attempt to cross fast flowing or rising waters as many flash flood deaths occur when motorists try to cross flooded roadways.