A strong high pressure system centered to the south of Fiji moved a trough from the south of American Samoa onto the territorial islands on May 16th through the 18th. 68 inches of rain recorded at WFO American Samoa.
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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 high pressure system centered to the south of Fiji moved a trough from the south of American Samoa onto the territorial islands on May 16th through the 18th. This stationary weather pattern lead to over 9.68 inches of rain recorded at WFO American Samoa. This includes 3.55 inches that fell in two hours on the afternoon of the 18th. This intense rainfall led to widespread flash flooding throughout the territory. Multiple landslides were also reported due to the intense rainfall on saturated soils.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
10 flash flood, 5 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
Local media reported that heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th caused multiple flooded homes in Faga'itua village. Monetary damage is estimated.
Local media reported that heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th caused multiple flooded homes in Pava'ia'i village. The nearby A'asu Village American Samoa Power Authority/University of Hawaii Mesonet station recorded 2.86 inches of rainfall between 1 PM and 2 PM along with other heavy rainfall in the previous 3 days. Monetary damage is estimated.
Local media reported that heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th caused multiple flooded homes in Ottoville village. Monetary damage is estimated.
Local media reported that heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th caused multiple flooded homes in Nu'uuli village. An American Samoa Power Authority/University of Hawaii stream gauge in the village rapidly rose to over three times its initial height in a single hour. Fiscal damage is estimated.
Social media posts show flash flooding from heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th in Fagaima village. Due to recent estate development and poor storm water drainage, multiple homes were flooded and village roadways were impassible. Monetary damage is estimated.
Videos and pictures from multiple social media posts show significant flooding along the Cost-U-Less/GIAS business intersection in Tafuna Village. Flowing water well above six inches entered nearby buildings. Monetary damage is estimated.
Local media reported considerable stream overflow to create more than 6 inches of running water flowing along the roadways next to the Tafuna Correctional Facility and into Lions Park. The Taumata and Vaitele streams merge at this location. Monetary damage is estimated.
Local media reported a minor landslide along Fatumafuti village. Media reported as dirt washed down the hillside onto the main road. Monetary damage is estimated.
The Manager of the Road Maintenance Division of Public Works reported a landslide that occurred in Fagamutu Village that covered both sides of the main road to halt traffic. The nearby Poloa Village American Samoa Power Authority/University of Hawaii Mesonet station recorded 2.61 inches of rainfall between 1 PM and 2 PM along with other heavy rainfall in the previous 3 days. Monetary damage is estimated.
The Manager of the Road Maintenance Division of Public Works reported a landslide that occurred in Faga'itua Village. The manager said that the village road next to where the landslide occurred was completely blocked. They were unable to clear the property until the morning of the 19th. Monetary damage is estimated.
The Manager of the Road Maintenance Division of Public Works reported a major landslide that occurred along the main road between Poloa Village and Fagamalo Village. Heavy debris blocked both lanes. Local crews were able to clear the roadways late in the evening. The nearby Poloa Village American Samoa Power Authority/University of Hawaii Mesonet station recorded 2.61 inches of rainfall between 1 PM and 2 PM along with other heavy rainfall in the previous 3 days. Monetary damage is estimated.
An NWS Employee reported roadway flooding along the PX Store on Procurement Road in Tafuna Village. Pictures show at least 6 inches of water pooled onto the roadway and parking lot. Flooding was caused by heavy rainfall and within an area of poor storm water drainage. Monetary damage is estimated.
A villager living in the Ofu/Olosega islands region reported a series of small landslides across both islands. These landslides occurred during heavy rainfall on the 18th. Estimated rainfall over the islands is 5 inches throughout the day. Monetary damage is estimated.
A social media post shows significant structure flooding at Lupulele Elementary School. Water covered the bottom floor of the building. Rainfall is estimated at 3 inches between 12 PM and 2 PM on May 18th. Monetary damage is estimated.
A social media post shows flash flooding from heavy rainfall during the afternoon of the 18th in Malaeloa Village. Pictures show significant overflow from Fuafua stream. Monetary damage is estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in American Samoa in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in American Samoa, May 2026
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: 1338707, 1338709, 1338710, 1338711, 1338712, 1338718, 1338929, 1338930, 1338931, 1338932, 1338933, 1338934, 1338935, 1338936, 1340377.