Severe weather on the way

News

11 Apr

**MetService forecast shows Cyclone Vaianu about to make landfall in on Saturday.**

Taupō people are being advised to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain from early Sunday morning as Cyclone Vaianu looks set to pass down the North Island.

By Dan Hutchinson and RNZ

The centre of the cyclone is forecast to pass close to Taupō, likely east of the district, although its course can change as it works its way down the country.

Tens of thousands of extra people are in Taupō this weekend for the Supercars Championship. Supercars has pushed forward its racing schedule to minimise disruptions and safety concerns on Sunday. More details below and at Supercars.com.

Taupō Mayor John Funnell is warning people to prepare early by ensuring there is nothing loose, like trampolines that could fly around and that drains are clear of leaves and other debris.

“Be careful over this coming weekend. We are expecting extremely strong winds and flooding in our district. Be safe,” Funnell said in a public statement.

“Clear drains and gutters, bring in or secure any items, such as bins and trampolines that could get picked up by wind, charge your devices and make safety plans for your household, pets and farm animals.

“It's also a good idea to check on your emergency kit including food, water, torches and batteries.”

Heavy rain can also increase the risk of landslides and flash flooding.

MetService has issued an Orange Strong Wind warning for many parts of the North Island including the Waikato, Waitomo, Taupō and Taumarunui area, from 4am-10pm on Sunday, beginning with severe easterly gales, changing to westerly gales in the afternoon.

Gusts of up to 120km/h could occur in exposed places, the MetService says.

There is also a Yellow Heavy Rain Watch in place for Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō and Taranaki, from8am Sunday to 8pm Sunday.

‍ “Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.” Says the MetService on its website.

‍ Latest news below

‍ By RNZ

‍The entire North Island is on alert with Cyclone Vaianu due to hit from Saturday night.

A state of emergency is in force in Northland and lasts an initial seven days.

Local Civil Defence said it was rare to have a region-wide declaration, but it was a precaution given the significant impacts the storm could have.

"This declaration means we can act quickly if required. It gives us the tools to respond effectively and keep our communities safe if the situation escalates," Northland Civil Defence group controller Damian Rio said.

In Bay of Plenty, the Whakatāne District Council could declare a state of emergency on Saturday morning.

"Forecasts indicate potentially dangerous coastal conditions including landslides, storm surge, large waves and coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas," it said.

Acting Mayor Julie Jukes said there was a high likelihood that West End at Ōhope would need to be evacuated on Saturday.

"While no evacuation orders are in place right now, we are encouraging residents to prepare - including planning where they could go and packing essential items," she said.

If mandatory evacuations were ordered then Police would knock on doors of all affected residents on Saturday morning.

The council said it had concerns for beachfront properties along Pōhutukawa Avenue, Waterford Estate and Plantation Reserve, and low-lying properties bordering Ōhiwa Harbour such as Liddon Cove and Ōhiwa Parade.

"While self-evacuation is not mandatory for any area within Ōhope at this stage, planning to relocate for up to two days is strongly recommended," it said.

"Were taking this cyclone extremely seriously. Don't wait to be told to go. If anyone, anywhere feels unsafe, relocate as soon as possible."

In Hawke's Bay at Haumoana, people in coastal areas were being told to consider staying with friends or family away from the coast during the cyclone.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council said large waves driven by Vaianu were likely to cause "noticeable" coastal erosion in some areas.

The most exposed beaches were likely to be Mahanga, Haumoana, Te Awanga, Westshore, Kairakau and Pourerere.

"The peak of the swell will be around high tide on Sunday afternoon at 1pm and will continue to impact parts of the coast during high tide on Monday morning at 1.30pm," the regional council said.

It said there was also potential for heavy rain in the ranges, and it was actively monitoring river mouths and pump stations.

Fire and Emergency has decided where to position enhanced rescue teams ahead of Cyclone Vaianu.

These were firefighters with extra rescue skills and specialised equipment, who would support local firefighters.

They were being deployed to Whangārei, Auckland, Rotorua, Tairāwhiti and Coromandel.

FENZ said the teams were mobile and could move elsewhere as needed.

The National Emergency Management Agency is advising people not to wait for official warnings to evacuate.

The agency said when the weather worsened, people needed to act quickly to stay safe and should trust their own "danger sense".

NEMA advised people to leave immediately if they saw floodwaters rising or notice small rockfalls or muddy water, buildings or trees moving, or creaking or rumbling noises.

The agency said acting quickly could save lives.

Taupō Mayor John Funnell, Facebook, April 10, 6.28pm

‍Please use the Taupō District Council website for up-to-date warnings. ‍

Be careful over this coming weekend. We are expecting extremely strong winds and flooding in our district. Be safe. ‍

Taupō District Council is continuing to monitor Cyclone Vaianu as it moves closer to New Zealand. ‍

It's expected to make landfall on Sunday.‍

MetService New Zealand have upgraded our district to a Strong Wind Warning for 12 hours from 10am, Sunday 12 April.

The forecast is for severe gale easterlies in the morning, changing to severe gale westerlies in the afternoon, with gusts of up to 120km/h.

We also have a Heavy Rain Watch in place from 8am to 8pm the same day.

Heavy rain and strong winds may cause:

Flash flooding and rapidly rising water

Landslides and falling trees

Dangerous driving conditions and road closures

Power outages

If you haven’t already, now’s a good time to take a few simple steps around home to get ready.

Clear drains and gutters, bring in or secure any items, such as bins and trampolines that could get picked up by wind, charge your devices and make safety plans for your household, pets and farm animals.

It's also a good idea to check on your emergency kit including food, water, torches and batteries.

Heavy rain can also increase the risk of landslides. Warning signs include:

Small slips, rock falls or sinking ground at the base of slopes

Doors or windows not closing properly or gaps appearing around their frames

Decks, steps or verandas tilting or pulling away from buildings

New cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, paths or retaining walls

Trees, fences or retaining walls starting to lean

Evacuate if you think your home or building could be at risk.

More tips for preparing for wet and windy weather https://getready.govt.nz/

Find out what to do before, during and after a landslide:

www.getready.govt.nz/landslides

Planning for farm animals' safety Waikato Rural Support Trust

Keep up with the latest warning info: metservice.com/warnings

Fire and Emergency New Zealand, media release, April 10, 3.37pm

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is preparing for the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says Fire and Emergency has been working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups since mid-week.

"We have well trained local crews right across the North Island and we will be pre-positioning specialist resources, including enhanced rescue and water rescue teams to support those local crews.

"This is expected to be a fast moving and high intensity storm with a wide area of impact, including areas still recovering from severe weather in March," Megan Stiffler says.

"Flooding, landslides and falling trees can be expected, with consequent impacts on power, communications, and travel.

"We are ready to respond where we are needed, and we have extra resourcing ready to be deployed at short notice."

Megan Stiffler says Fire and Emergency’s advice is to always call 111 when life or safety is at risk.

"Do not drive through floodwater - you are putting yourself at risk and risking the lives of those who come to your rescue.

"In floodwaters you can’t tell how deep the water is, or how swift. The road may have been washed away and there could be hidden obstacles.

"At home, tie or take down trampolines and outdoor furniture and prepare for power outages.

"We recommend using torches and battery powered devices wherever possible to reduce the risk of unwanted fire in your home during a power outage."

For the latest weather warnings follow MetService and follow New Zealand Civil Defence and your local Civil Defence page for emergency warnings and advice.

Supercars, revised schedule statement 2pm Friday

Supercars confirms revised ITM Taupō Super 440 schedule
Schedule changed due to extreme weather forecast to impact New Zealand on Sunday
Regular updates regarding Sunday will be provided throughout Saturday

Supercars has announced changes to the track schedule for the ITM Taupō Super 440, due to the extreme weather forecast to impact New Zealand on Sunday.

This follows careful consideration and consultation with local authorities, consistent meteorology reporting and national advice.

Saturday’s second race has been extended to 200km.

All Saturday race sessions will be moved forward by 30 minutes. The 120km Race 8 will start at 12:20pm NZST. The 200km Race 9 will begin at 3:30pm NZST.

Only the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout will be lost from the program.

Race 10 of the Repco Supercars Championship has been tentatively rescheduled for 9.55am NZST on Sunday, a move in line with latest weather forecasts.

All Sunday-only General Admission ticket holders are invited to use their tickets on Saturday and Sunday.

All Sunday Pit Walk ticket holders, will also be invited to attend the Saturday Pit Walk.

Supercars Chair and Interim Chief Executive Barclay Nettlefold says: “We have worked very carefully with local authorities to ensure the utmost safety for our fans, teams and all stakeholders throughout recent days.”

“While we certainly hope to run the event in full, safety and responsibility are absolutely critical.

“Supercars will continue monitoring the situation with great caution over the coming days.”

Regular updates regarding Sunday, will be provided throughout the day on Saturday.

Revised Saturday track schedule notes