A state of emergency has been declared for Samoa and American Samoa as residents brace for the impact of what could be a "super cyclone."
Forecasters in the region say Cyclone Olaf is heading directly for the two islands, packing winds of at least 230 kilometers per hour. Olaf is a Category Five cyclone, the most powerful on the scale. Schools, airports, businesses and government offices on the islands are closed and boarded up.
Meanwhile, Cyclone Nancy has weakened to a Category Two storm after passing the Cook Islands. Authorities are reporting some damage from the storm, including downed trees and power lines. The Cooks are still reeling from the effects of Cyclone Meena, which struck 10 days ago. Forecasters say Olaf and Nancy could cross paths within the next few days, creating one giant, destructive storm.
Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.