A center of circulation developed within a large area of thunderstorms north of Fiji on Wednesday and the system was designated as Tropical Cyclone Amos.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amos was located at latitude 12.5°S and longitude 179.4°W which put it about 145 miles (235 km) northwest of Ile Futuna.  Amos was stationary.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

The circulation near the core of Tropical Cyclone Amos is still organizing.  A narrow primary band of thunderstorms is wrapping tightly around the core and an eye may be forming at the center of circulation.  Several other thin bands of showers and thunderstorms are rotating around the outer portions of the circulation.  The thunderstorms are generating some upper level divergence, but it is not well developed yet.

The environment is favorable for continued intensification.  Amos is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  The upper level winds are not very strong and there is little vertical wind shear.  As the core of the circulation becomes more well organized, it will convert energy from the ocean more efficiently and the wind speeds will increase.  Tropical Cyclone Amos could intensify into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Amos is currently in an area where the steering currents are weak.  An upper level ridge is forecast to develop north of Amos and begin to steer the tropical cyclone toward the east.  On its anticipated track Amos could pass near Iles Wallis in 24 to 36 hours.  It could be approaching Samoa in two or three days.