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Authorities are urging urgent preparation as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards New Zealand, with most forecasts pointing to a North Island landfall on Sunday and the potential for life-threatening winds, heavy rain and coastal hazards.
Vaianu is currently lying northwest of Fiji, with MetService modelling showing it heading towards New Zealand on Friday and Saturday.
The agency said Vaianu could bring life-threatening winds to the North Island on Sunday, and has issued a preliminary severe weather watch for the entire North Island.
During a media conference in Wellington on Wednesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said agencies were on “full notice” over Cyclone Vaianu, as it continued to move south towards New Zealand.
“This is shaping to be a very significant and damaging weather event, and I just think obviously with big impact on the North Island particularly around Sunday it’s a great opportunity to remind New Zealanders to do everything they can,” he said.
“Stock up, get their supplies in order, get items that may be loose in their backyards tied down and in secure storage.”
Acting Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk said the approaching cyclone would be a setback for already strained communities, with agencies on high alert and urging people to prepare early.
“We know this will be unwelcome news for communities that have recently been affected by severe weather and are still recovering.
“We are asking people to take sensible precautions, and government is doing the same. MetService, NEMA and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, the New Zealand Defence Force, Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, and NEMA stands ready to coordinate support if required.”
NEMA’s director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price, is urging people to prepare immediately, warning the window to act is closing as Cyclone Vaianu approaches.
“People should take time now to get ready before Cyclone Vaianu arrives. Act now and not later – later may be too late!”
He said drains around properties could be clear of waste and debris, and anything that could be picked up by strong winds need to be tied down.
“Trust your danger sense, and don’t wait for official warnings. Do not enter floodwaters, as they are dangerous and can kill you,” Price said.
Price said in some areas, the ground is still saturated after recent heavy rain – and this means landslides are almost certain.
“Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick. Also take care around trees which may become unstable and fall.
“This latest severe weather will be particularly tough for communities that are still in recovery mode. Remember to look after yourselves and each other, and reach out if you need support.”
Find advice about preparing for storms, flooding and other severe weather hazards in multiple languages and alternate formats at the Get Ready website.
