The Cook Islands is bracing itself as Tropical Cyclone Mike heads towards the Pacific nation.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says the cyclone, which is a category one storm, is moving southeast at 22 knots.

Sustained winds of 35 knots close to the centre is expected, and it is expected to increase by 45 knots by tomorrow.

Kake Ioane, senior meteorological observer at the Cook Islands Meteorological Service told Pacific Beat the islands are currently experiencing light to moderate rains, but these are expected to intensify tomorrow as the cyclone moves southeast.

“Our current weather now is with calm wind, with moderate to heavy rain at the moment and for Aitutaki, there’s some gusty strong southeasterly wind about 40 knots,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s some damage at this stage, but maybe later on, but very rough seas and like I said, moderate to heavy rain at the moment, with very calm wind.”

Mr Ioane says the people are ready and prepared for the cyclone. They are bracing for periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, high seas and damaging heavy swells.

The Cook Islands has had brutal cyclone experiences in recent years.

In 1997, Cyclone Martin slammed into the northern Manihiki atoll, destroying all habitation and killing 28 people.

In February 2005, Cyclone Meena inflicted major damage on Rarotonga, including the complete swamping of the celebrated Trader Jack’s waterfront bar.

– Weatherzone/AP