Heavy Rain and String Winds forecast
Wellington, February 20, 2018
Ex-cyclone Gita is beginning to hit central New Zealand today.
MetService has forecast the storm will bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Civil Defence warns
Civil Defence has warned people in the firing line to be ready for power cuts, road closures and evacuations. The storm caused havoc in the Pacific where, at times, it measured category five, the highest possible.
It flattened and flooded homes and business, and knocked out power and communications in Tonga, Samoa and some Fiji Islands.
Here is what you need to know:
How to prepare
Discuss with your household – family, flatmates, whatever your living situation – what to do if you need to evacuate your home, or the power or water goes out.
Prepare a grab bag in case you need to get out quickly.
As the storm approaches, make sure you know where you pets are and be ready to take them with you.
Secure outdoor furniture, rubbish bins, trampolines.
During the storm keep windows and doors closed, and close curtains to increase safety in case windows blow out or break.
Check NZTA for travel information
Over 40 schools and early childhood learning centres at the top of the South Island are closed today
Nelson and Buller
Up to 200 mm rain within 14 hours from 7 am to 9 pm Tuesday, peak intensities 20 mm/h to 30 mm/h.
Severe gale east to northeast winds with damaging gusts of 140 km/h in exposed places.
Residents told to prepare emergency kits and evacuation plans.
West Coast
Westland and Canterbury High Country: Severe gale southeast winds with damaging 150 km/h gusts in exposed places between midday Tuesday and 1 am Wednesday.
All schools and early childhood centres in the Buller District will be closed today and Wednesday as a safety precaution.
A Civil Defence app has sent an alert to 2000 campers on the West Coast warning them to prepare. Hotels are also warning tourists to prepare.
Port of Westport closed until further notice.
Marlborough including Kaikoura Coast
150 mm to 200 mm rain at higher ground between 7 am and 10 pm Tuesday. Peak intensities 20 mm/h to 30 mm/h.
Severe gale south easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Campers, trampers and boaties warned to leave the Marlborough Sounds today.
Civil Defence suggests residents in low-lying coastal areas consider staying elsewhere tonight.
Wellington and Kapiti Coast
Northerly winds forecast to peak up to 140 km/h at Titahi Bay about 930 pm.
75 mm to 100 mm rain between 1 am and 4pm Tuesday.
Peak intensities 20 mm/h to 30 mm/h. Further light rain until midnight.
Metlink said that buses and trains in Wellington will run according to schedule, but commuters into the capital are being told to consider not coming into work and should consider working from home if possible.
Check flights at Wellington Airport.
Taranaki
Wind gusts of up to 140 km/h in exposed areas in southern Taranaki.
Civil Defence in Taranaki is advising people to fill their cars with petrol and prepare emergency packs in case the area is hit with full force.
Transport
People are being told to check ferry sailings as the cyclone track is likely to pass through Cook Strait, bringing large waves.
KiwiRail has cancelled the TranzAlpine train today and will review the service for Wednesday.
Air New Zealand is warning travellers to expect significant disruption to domestic flights.
MetService has warned of large waves up to 6 m with a combination of tides, low pressure, strong onshore winds.
Driving conditions
The Transport Agency says Cyclone Gita will make driving conditions treacherous and motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel.
Slips and coastal flooding may mean roads are closed at short notice.
High winds could also make conditions hazardous for motorcyclists, campervans and other high-sided vehicles, the Transport Agency said.
Maritime NZ is broadcasting live storm warnings on VHF safety channels 67, 68 and 71.
Christchurch
More than 70 mm of rain in 24 hours, could cause street flooding.
Higher rainfall expected in Banks Peninsula.
Winds of 70 km/h or greater expected.
People living in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to lift valuable possessions off low-lying floors and to park their cars on higher ground.
Check the City Council website for updates.
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Indian Newslink has published the above Report and Picture under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz
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Photo Caption:
Staff at the New World supermarket in Stoke preparing ahead of the arrival of ex-cyclone Gita. Photo: RNZ /Rebekah Parsons-King
