Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) has issued a warning to residents in the south coast areas of Rarotonga of potential strong currents and surges.

Beach property owners and tourism operators were also advised to remain vigilant and avoid lagoon activities.

In an advisory yesterday, EMCI stated that a heavy southerly swell was expected to increase for the Southern Cook Islands, from Kavera to Tikioki, from last night through today.

EMCI advised that there would be potentially dangerous conditions for lagoon recreational activities, higher than usual lagoon level and wave run-up to the beaches with potential debris washed up on the road and coastal areas.

Cook Islands Meteorological Services continues to warn of strong winds for the Southern Cook Islands waters and coastal inundation with damaging heavy swell.

According to the Met Services, this is due to a low-pressure system to the far south of Southern Cook Islands that is generating strong southeast wind flow over the group.