Cyclone Nisha speeds by, fades

The Cook Islands has been spared the effects of the season’s first cyclone, Cyclone Nisha. The cyclone passed by some 85 nautical miles north of Rarotonga early Friday morning. It was moving at 15 knots, a speed too fast to intensify to a higher category cyclone.
A category 1 cyclone, Cyclone Nisha was down graded at 2.46am to a tropical depression.
The advice was received from the weather office in Nadi, Fiji in Special Weather Bulletin (SWB) no 13 at 2.46am. It proved to be a lucky number.
The gale warning which had been in force for Rarotonga, Mauke, Mangaia and nearby islands was cancelled. However a strong wind warning remained in force for Palmerston and was now in force for the rest of the Southern Cooks.
The depression was reported as moving east at a speed of 15 knots, sustaining 10 minute average winds close to the centre estimated at 30 knots with momentary gusts up to 45 knots but expected to decrease further in the next 6-12 hours. Speed is critical for if the speed had dropped below 10 knots, the cyclone would intensify taking the rating to category 2 or 3.
The bulletin advised the forecast for the Southern Cooks as winds 30 knots with gusts to 45 knots decreasing further. Periods of rain and a few squally thunder storms, rough seas, heavy west to north west swells. Flooding including sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is still likely.
SWB no 13 was the last of the special bulletins and the next report at 5.30am was the normal, routine bulletin.
Local businesses responded well to the earlier alerts by closing down early on Thursday and putting up protective shutters.
Avatiu harbour was cleared of vessels and a number of residents tied down roofing.
There were no reports of serious damage or injuries to persons.
The Emergency Centre and Hurricane Centres were not activated.
Police Commissioner said at a debriefing on Friday morning he was pleased with the cooperation among the agencies and the public. He urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared.
There was also public praise for the officials at the Met Office for their updates on the progress of the cyclone.
This cyclone would have provided the authorities and locals with a good drill for any further cyclones to come this season.