The classic clockwise cyclonic circulation of a Southern Hemisphere storm can be seen around Cyclone Ken.
The second tropical cyclone to form near the Cook Islands in as many weeks was designated Cyclone Ken as the storm gained strength on Tuesday to the southwest of Rarotonga.
Only the outer bands of the storm affected the main Cook Islands, and the center of circulation remained far from any significant land areas.
Ken gained force on Wednesday and was predicted to be generating maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) on Thursday before beginning a gradual weakening trend.
The storm was a threat to only shipping lanes during its entire life span over the South Pacific.
Cyclone Joni formed a little to the east of Ken's path during the previous week, bringing locally heavy rain to some of the Cook Islands.
Cyclone Ken Track
Satellite Loop Data: CIMSS