Samoa issues alert to begin coastal evacuations for expected tsunami

Samoa issued alert to begin evacuations

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Authorities on the Pacific islands of American Samoa and Samoa are urging their citizens to take shelter from the tsunami headed their way that was generated by the massive Chilean earthquake.

Cyclone Rene batters Tonga, tearing off roofs, cutting power, phone service in capital

Cyclone Rene pounds Tonga, major damage in capital

Powerful winds from Cyclone Rene damage buildings, phone links in Tonga

Cyclone Rene batters Tonga, cutting phone links

Tonga riding out Cyclone Rene; buildings, crops damaged but no deaths, injuries reported

Tonga riding out Cyclone Rene; no injury reported

Tonga takes direct hit from cyclone, though no serious injuries, damage yet reported

Tonga hit by cyclone but no injuries so far

Tongans pray as tropical cyclone tracks toward island nation, threatening direct hit

Tongans pray as cyclone threatens direct hit

Tropical Cyclone Rene brings rain, wind but misses American Samoa, turns toward Tonga

Cyclone misses American Samoa, turns toward Tonga

Hurricane warning canceled for American Samoa after storm passes nearby but doesn’t make land

Hurricane warning canceled for American Samoa

Cyclone slams American Samoa with hurricane-force winds; island still recovering from tsunami

Cyclone slams American Samoa with 100 mph winds

Strong 6.3 quake hits near Tonga; no injuries or damage reported

Strong quake near Tonga; no injuries reported

Tropical Cyclone Rene hits American Samoa, where residents are still recovering from tsunami

Tropical Cyclone Rene hits American Samoa

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — A Pacific storm with hurricane-force winds churned across sparsely populated islands of American Samoa and took aim Saturday for the capital region of the U.S. territory, which is still recovering from a deadly autumn tsunami.

American Samoa residents buy water, flashlights to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Rene

American Samoa braces for Tropical Cyclone Rene