Forming out of a trough of low pressure on 19 January 2011 to the northwest of Fiji, Cyclone Wilma initially tracked eastward towards the Samoan Islands.

The storm reached its peak intensity on 26 January as a Category 4 cyclone with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a barometric pressure of 930 mbar (hPa; 27.46 inHg).

Gradually re-curving towards the southeast, Wilma weakened quickly as it moved over cooler sea surface temperatures; by 28 January, it was downgraded to a tropical cyclone.

[10] Later that day, the JTWC, issuing their final warning, reported that the system took a southeast curve along the coast of North Island, New Zealand and started becoming extratropical.

[12] Following harsh criticism for the lack of a warning siren after the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, in which more than 100 perished, the American Samoan Government ensured that residents were aware of Cyclone Wilma several days prior to its arrival.

[18] In the days after Wilma's passage, health officials warned residents to stay away from standing water as it may have been contaminated to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.

[19] Following preliminary assessments of damage, Governor Tulafono stated that there was sufficient losses to warrant an emergency declaration from President Barack Obama.

[20] According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, power and water supplies were restored to all areas by 25 January and the airport was set to reopen that day.

[27] In combination with previous flooding expected to be worsened by Wilma, officials in New Zealand evacuated numerous towns in the Thames-Coromandel District.

[29] As Cyclone Wilma brushed the North Island, it brought torrential rains to much of the region, with several areas recording 200 mm (7.9 in) during a 24‑hour span.

High winds accompanying these rains caused significant damage as well; several homes were destroyed and electricity was cut off to many towns and cities as power lines were felled.

[30] Along the slopes of Mount Maunganui, campers were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night as flood waters began to threaten their rest areas.

[31] On Waiheke Island, two residents managed to escape their cottage, after the family dog began barking outside, before the hill it was situated on gave way, destroying their house.