A tropical depression (TD06F) has been upgraded to category 1 Tropical Cyclone Nat near the Cook Islands. 

In its latest special weather bulletin at 8.40am New Zealand time, Fiji’s Meteorological Service said Tropical Cyclone Nat is moving east southeast at about 15 knots. 

The weather office has issued a nautical gale warning in relation to the storm. 

An alert is in place for the Southern Cook Islands. 

Fiji Meteorological Service says the storm is set to bring sustained winds close to the centre of around 83 kilometres per hour and gusts between 90 to 120km/h. 

The cyclone is tracking to remain in the north of the Southern Cook Islands area and stay at sea. 

Palmerston, Aitutaki and Mauke are expected to be the most affected islands. 

‘Bring isolated damage to trees or homes’ 

Earlier on Tuesday morning, Fiji Meteorological Service senior scientific officer Iosefa Cauravouvinaka told RNZ Pacific the cyclone would not surpass category 1 strength - the weakest cyclone category. 

“As it moves into the [Southern] Group it moves into an unfavourable area of cooler water as it moves into the south,” he said. 

He said if the cyclone intensifies it will be just the high end of a category 1 cyclone. 

Cauravouvinaka said the cyclone is expected to bring isolated damage to trees or homes with light materials. 

“Those communities along the coast might be most affected.” 

He said the cyclone may only have a minimal impact. 

- RNZ