Cyclones in the Cook Islands: A Guide to Cyclone Safety in the Cook Islands

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Cyclone Warnings in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

The weather in the Cook Islands is well monitored by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service, the New Zealand MetService and NWFC Nadi, so cyclones are reported as soon as there are signs that they are beginning to develop. It’s highly unlikely that cyclones will take the country by surprise, which gives you time to prepare.

How Cyclones are Reported

The first sign of a cyclone forming might come from a “tropical depression”. Meteorologists will keep an eye on any depression that becomes a storm if its wind speeds reach 65-120 kph (40-73 mph). If the wind speeds continue increasing, the cyclone will be declared and given a name.

Cyclones affecting the Cook Islands in the past have been called “Martin” and “Cody”, for example. When a cyclone is given a name, it is widely reported in the media across the Cook Islands and the rest of the South Pacific.

Cyclones are given a category to indicate how severe they are, where Category 1 is the weakest (wind speeds of 88-125 kph / 55-78 mph) and Category 5 is the strongest (wind speeds greater than 250 kph / 155 mph).

Meteorologists will closely monitor the cyclone’s movement, preparing a five-day forecast that outlines the path they anticipate it will take. The path prediction is usually quite broad, as determining an exact path is difficult, but this gives nations time to prepare. Updates are given as more data becomes available.

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The Dangers of Cyclones

Why do you need to prepare for a cyclone? Severe gale-force winds can cause significant damage to weaker structures in the Cook Islands, such as buildings in villages. There may also be damage to power lines, causing blackouts, damage to crops and trees, and dangerous airborne debris.

Another danger is contaminated tap water, although we recommend filtering it (with a Lifestraw bottle, for instance) or boiling it in the Cook Islands unless you know your accommodation is treating the water – see Is the Water Safe to Drink in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?

It’s important to note that cyclone damage is quite localised, significantly affecting the areas in its path rather than the entire country. For example, cyclones in the past have only damaged a single or a couple of islands in the Cook Islands, rather than every island in the Cooks.

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How to Prepare for a Cyclone

The first way to be prepared for a cyclone in the Cook Islands is to be aware of weather warnings during your stay. If you’re visiting the Cook Islands during the cyclone season, between November and April, be sure to check weather reports regularly.

Given the nature of cyclones, it’s challenging to determine exactly how much damage they will cause. With this in mind, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.

Ask your accommodation provider about the cyclone procedure for the building if you are visiting during the cyclone season. They will know which is the strongest part of the building in the likely scenario that you need to stay where you are during a cyclone.

Have an emergency kit at the ready, including clothes, food, and water for three days. It’s also helpful to have a battery-operated radio (or spare batteries for your smartphone, for instance), as well as a torch with spare batteries. Ensure you have the emergency number for the Cook Islands: 999.

Keep following the news and progress of the cyclone through radio, TV, text messages (you have to sign up for text alerts) and online news outlets. You’ll be informed if evacuation is necessary and where to go for evacuation. Official advice will be given through local radio, TV and text messages.

Learn more about getting a Cook Islands phone number in The Best SIM Card in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Travellers.

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A History of Cyclones in the Cook Islands

Compared to other South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands appear to have a more active history of cyclones. It’s essential to note, however, that the country spans a vast area, covering over 2,200,000 km² (850,000 mi²) of ocean.

Cyclone Cody

In January 2022, Cyclone Cody caused flooding in Rarotonga.

Cyclone Pat

In February 2010, Cyclone Pat damaged around 78% of homes on Aitutaki and destroyed around 72 buildings.

Cyclone Oli

Cyclone Oli caused flooding in the Northern Group in January 2008.

Cyclone Arthur

The Cook Islands saw minor beach erosion due to Cyclone Arthur in January 2007.

The 2005 Cyclones

In February 2005, the Cook Islands experienced gale-force winds from Cyclone Meena, Cyclone Nancy caused power cuts and house damage on Atiu, and Cyclone Olaf damaged homes and businesses on the western side of Rarotonga. Again in 2005, homes in the northern islands of Pukapuka and Nassau were seriously impacted by Cyclone Percy.

Cyclone Trina

Cyclone Trina affected Mangaia in early December 2001, causing flooding and damage to the agricultural sector.

Cyclone Martin

Cyclone Martin (October – 5 November 1997) formed at the end of October and dissipated in early November causing significant damage to the Northern Cook Islands and 28 deaths across the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. It was considered one of the worst cyclones to affect the South Pacific in the 20th Century.

Cyclone Val

Cyclone Val narrowly missed the Cook Islands in December 1991, causing gale-force winds and damage to crops.

Cyclones in the Cook Islands, Month-by-Month

• October – 1997 (Cyclone Martin)
• November – 1890, 1927, 1941, 1968 and 1997 (Cyclone Martin)
• December – 1831, 1842, 1848, 1883, 1925, 1930, 1940, 1943, 1962, 1967, 1991 (Cyclone Val) and 2001 (Cyclone Trina)
• January – 1845, 1865, 1905, 1914, 1941, 1944, 1950, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1966, 2007 (Cyclone Arthur) and 2008 (Cyclone Oli)
• February – 1839, 1840, 1877, 1882, 1889, 1897, 1906, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1941, 1942, 1947, 1950, 1958, 1962, 1990, 2005 (Cyclone Meena, Cyclone Nancy, Cyclone Olaf and Cyclone Pat) and 2010 (Cyclone Pat)
• March – 1846, 1866, 1867, 1869, 1905, 1926, 1943, 1961 and 1963
• April – 1850 and 1926.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclones in the Cook Islands

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cyclones in the Cook Islands on the internet. They might answer yours, too!

Do the Cook Islands Get Cyclones?

Yes, the Cook Islands has had cyclones in the past and is at risk of being affected by cyclones during the South Pacific cyclone season, from November to April.