A strong wind warning is in place in Tararua district for severe gales gusting to 120km per hour. Photo: Supplied/LDR
Manawatū-Whanganu residents and visitors are being urged to prepare for potentially serious weather around Labour Weekend, with heavy rain and winds forecast.
Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is bringing in extra staff to its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to the forecast.
Tararua District is under a heavy wind warning from 10am today until 3am tomorrow, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.
Horowhenua District is under a heavy wind warning from 9am until 7pm today, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.
The Tararua Range is under a heavy rain warning from 10am until 8pm today. Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm per hour.
There is also a heavy rain watch for Tongariro National Park from 3pm until 11pm today. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning.
Emergency Management Group controller Craig Grant said parts of the region had already been hit by severe weather in the past two weeks.
He said staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the week, but more staff were being brought in to support the region’s response.
“With many watches and warnings across the region, and the worst of the weather forecast to come through this afternoon and evening, we are ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Staff are rostered throughout the weekend, including into the evening.
“We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to local issues.”
Grant said people should take the time to prepare.
“While Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu are under watches and warnings, the weather will also impact other parts of the region – such as Manawatū and Palmerston North.
“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.”
Tararua District was still recovering from Tuesday’s weather, which caused multiple power outages, ripped roofing iron from houses, and brought heavy rain to some areas.
“People in Tararua District should take precautionary measures ahead of the strong winds, such as either tying down or moving inside objects such as garden furniture, pot plants and trampolines.
“Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles.”
Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Grant said.
“Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.”
He also urged those planning to camp or travel over the long weekend to be well prepared.
“People travelling to the area for camping or recreation during the long weekend should ensure they are prepared for the weather. Take plenty of supplies, and be sure to have a radio with a list of key frequencies,” he said.
Catchments across the region are already saturated, and waterways could rise quickly if there is further heavy rain.
“People camping near waterways should keep this in mind. Keep an eye on the forecast and waterways, and be prepared to move.
“It is always better to move earlier rather than later. If in doubt, delay or postpone your trips.”
While it was too early to predict Monday’s conditions with certainty, early forecasts showed more rain was possible.
“We will learn more as we get closer to Monday, but currently it appears there will be another front similar to what we have experienced recently moving north through the region,” Grant said.
“We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the long weekend, with staffing organised.”
He said people could keep up to date with key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page.
“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.