22 Apr 2016

Amos expected to ramp up to Cat 3 storm overnight

1:27 pm on 22 April 2016

Tropical Cyclone Amos is expected to strengthen to a category three storm as it passes just north of Wallis during the night.

Tracking map for cyclone Amos

Tracking map for cyclone Amos Photo: Fiji Meteorologial Service

It's currently a category two system and about 200 kilometres west-northwest of Wallis Island.

The cyclone is moving in an easterly direction at nine kilometres an hour and is intensifying.

On its current track, the cyclone is expected to pass just south of Samoa overnight Saturday.

According to the Fiji Met Service, the cyclone will maintain its strength for the next three days when it is forecast to lie between American Samoa and Niue, once it's passed Samoa.

The Fiji Weather Office said early Friday morning winds of up to 90 kilometres an hour could be expected at the storm's centre.

Earlier today Amos did a U-turn and began heading towards Wallis.