The National Emergency Management Agency has warned the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is “going to be big” – and New Zealanders should be preparing now for its arrival later this week.
Earlier today, MetService said the weather system had winds of 95km/h at its centre, with a track map showing the forecast position of the system as it crosses the country.
Watches are currently in place across the North Island – and forecasters have warned it could potentially have life-threatening impacts when it is forecast to hit the country on late Saturday into early Sunday.
Speaking to 1News today, NEMA director of civil defence emergency management John Price said the event is likely to be “extreme and severe”.
“[It] will remain within the parameters of New Zealand, and mainly the North Island for that period of Sunday. It will be very intense.”
Price said NEMA was primarily concerned about the impacts from strong winds – and the potential for trees to become dislodged, as well as potential landslips.
“Those landslides that we’ve experienced before in severe weather events are almost certain to occur.”
'Be prepared'
Price said people should stay away from trees, and be aware of already sodden ground which will likely flood.
He said people should also stay away from floodwaters where even a small amount could sweep people and cars away, and the ocean, which is forecast to have large swells.
“The advice from us is very clear, be prepared.
“Be prepared is have a plan. Be prepared is also to have access to your grab bags and other things which will make sure you can keep in communication.”
He said ensuring cell phones wee charged – and having a plan with loved ones to avoid hazards were key.
Trampolines, firewood, outdoor furniture and anything else which could be impacted by gale force winds should be secured to avoid them having the potential to "become missiles" he said.
"Declutter or get rid of the clutter out of your gutters. Make sure they're clean, if the rain comes down we want it to be accessing the system, and getting away from your home.
"Look around, and be prepared for the worst possible case scenario for yourself."
Price added people who felt at risk should not hesitate to call 111.
"We are all primed... the emergency services, New Zealand Defence Force, the wider sector is all ready, we need New Zealanders to be ready."
Price also said cash could be withdrawn as a way to still purchase items if power went out, but the main thing was to prepare "now, and not later".
"Later on is too late."
Price added people could visit the GetReady website for more advice on preparing for the cyclone's arrival.
Current watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Watch
Northland – 12 hours from 9pm Saturday to 9am Sunday.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 12 hours from 2am to 2pm Sunday.
Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne including Rotorua – 14 hours from 2am to 4pm Sunday.
Waikato – 15 hours from 3am to 6pm Sunday.
Bay of Plenty about and east of Whakatāne – seven hours from 9am to 4pm Thursday.
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay – 14 hours from 2am to 4pm Sunday.
Gisborne about and south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke’s Bay ranges, and coastal hills south of Napier – 16 hours from 2am to 6pm Sunday.
Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō and Taranaki – 12 hours from 8am to 8pm Sunday.
Strong Wind Watch
Western parts of the North Island, from Coromandel Peninsula to Wellington – 21 hours from 4am Sunday to 1am Monday.
Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua District and Wairarapa – 24 hours from 6am Sunday to 6am Monday.
Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 21 hours from 9pm Saturday to 6pm Sunday.
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