AUCKLAND, (AFP) - Local Meteorologists Thursday upgraded the threat posed by two tropical storms saying there was a good chance they would turn into cyclones.

An area of convection near Fijis remote northern island of Rotuma is currently packing winds between 20 and 25 knots, but the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu was warning the potential for the development of a significant tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours is upgraded to good.

On Wednesday they were calling the development chance fair. Another area being watched is a persistent area of convection 100 nautical miles northeast of , in the Arafua Sea. It has also been upgraded to a good chance of a cyclone.

Tropical Depression Walter, near Australian Cocos Islands (300 nautical miles south of Sumatra) has already reached 'Hurricane' Force with winds exceeding 65 knots.

The current South Pacific cyclone season, which ends in June, has produced only six storms this year with Cyclone Paula early in March causing mild damage in Vanuatu.