Hurricane
approaches
Pago Pago

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa » Gov. Togiola Tulafono closed government offices yesterday as Hurricane Olaf approached this U.S. territory.

The National Weather Service, which issued a hurricane warning for American Samoa, said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 150 mph with gusts to 170 mph. It was located about 276 miles northwest of Pago Pago, moving to the southeast at 15 mph.

If Olaf maintained its movement and speed, it would be near the main island of Tutuila this afternoon, forecasters said.

Winds of 40 to 50 mph were expected to hit as early as last night and then increase to 140 mph tonight.

Seas of 25 to 40 feet were expected to generate dangerous and damaging surf of up to 60 feet today and tomorro, forecasters said.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms were forecast to move over the territory today, causing widespread flooding, while landslides were also expected, they said.

Hawaiian Airlines' flight from Honolulu to American Samoa last night was canceled.

Pago Pago International Airport and the Port of Pago Pago were set to close last night until further notice, officials said.