A strong South Pacific Convergence Zone moved over American Samoa on December 14th through the 16th. 93 inches of rain fell between 1 AM and 7 AM on the 16th.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS ASO wrote it up.
A strong South Pacific Convergence Zone moved over American Samoa on December 14th through the 16th. The total rainfall from the 14th through the 16th was 10.82 inches at WSO Pago Pago, which includes 4.18 inches of rain between midnight and 3 AM on the 14th and 3.93 inches of rain fell between 1 AM and 7 AM on the 16th. Rainfall caused numerous landslides and widespread flooding across the territory. Also, strong wind gusts were recorded from heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Governor of American Samoa declared a state of emergency from this event.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
3 flash flood, 3 heavy rain, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Due to the heavy rainfall on the morning of December 14th, ASPA (American Samoa Power Authority) reported shutting off water wells to prevent further contamination of water. A boil water notice was issued. Shutting off wells caused schools to postpone.
A landslide occurred in the village of Amanave. Dirt and rocks covered the westbound lane of the main roadway.
Emergency management reported a landslide in the village of Poloa on the morning of the 16th. Nobody was injured. The exact time of the landslide is unknown.
With gusts reaching around 46 MPH (40 knots), large boxes that were decorated for Christmas fell to the ground and damaged the decorations.
Emergency Management reported a landslide in the village of Aoa on the morning of the 16th. Nobody was injured. The exact timing of the landslide is unknown.
Due to heavy rainfall, a stream overflowed to bring small rocks and other debris to cover the main roadway.
Emergency Management reported major flooding on Fagaima Road due to poor water drainage in the area.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in American Samoa in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in American Samoa, December 2023
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1145977, 1145978, 1146118, 1146120, 1146122, 1146128, 1146129.