Storm watch for the weekend
14 March 2014
Batten down the hatches. Heavy rain and strong winds, possibly reaching gale force, could hit Rotorua over the weekend as a tropical cyclone rolls over the North Island.
The NZ Transport Agency is urging people to take care as road surfaces can be very slippery after a long dry spell. Conditions are at the worst in the first few hours of rain, and light rain is even more of a challenge than a heavy downpour, says the Transport Agency.
For up-to-date state highway travel information visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or phone the Transport Agency's 0800 4 HIGHWAYS information line to get the latest updates or to report incidents or hazards on the state highways.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is also advising people to prepare for the possibility of severe weather over the weekend.
At this stage, computer modelling shows Tropical Cyclone Lusi arriving over northern New Zealand in the weekend, and then tracking southwards before moving out to sea east of the South Island on Monday.
As at yesterday afternoon [13 March] Rotorua was forecast to get rain and easterly winds rising to gale force on Saturday, and on Sunday heavy rain easing with wind turning northwest and abating.
It's could be a dangerous storm for some parts of the country, with severe weather likely to affect many regions, especially over the weekend.
People are advised to keep up to date with official weather warnings and forecasts from New Zealand MetService - www.metservice.com
Up-to-date information is available from the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. Detailed advice about what to do before, during and after storms is at www.getthru.govt.nz
What to do when a warning is issued and during a storm:
- Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations for advice.
- Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.
- Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.
- Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered glass.
- If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house.
- Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks.
- Don't walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
- Power cuts are always possible. Unplug small appliances which could be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce power surge when power is restored.
- Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.