Tropical Cyclone Lusi, which has killed at least three people in Vanuatu, is expected to hit northern parts of New Zealand by Friday evening.
The centre of the cyclone is now expected to go past the Northland coast without making landfall, but still causing severe, damaging weather in many regions. The centre of the storm looks set to track west, just off North Cape, and stay offshore west of Raglan.
MetService said first signs of the storm would creep in this evening, with weather becoming cloudy and blustery through Northland, Auckland and Coromandel.
“As we go through the daytime we will see the cloud thicken up, the rain develop and the wind strengthening as well,” meteorologist John Law said.
“The North Island in particular will find Saturday to be a wet and windy day with gales quite widely and heavy falls of rainfall.” He added “Wind gusts could reach up to 110km/h to 120km/h in exposed places”
Hi folks, as you have heard in the media, there is some Wild Weather predicted to hit over the weekend. You can take some steps now to make sure your property is safe and secure. Anything that can be blown away should be secured….(outdoor furniture, trampolines, umbrellas)…..indoors in the garage or tied down. Trampolines can be turned upside down on the lawn to stop them being blown to the neighbours or further afield!! Make sure drains aren’t blocked with leaves and grass etc plus your gutters. There is going to be (predicted) a fair amount of rain with the wind. Blocked gutters can cause water to flood into your home. Rural and life style block dwellers…please ensure there is a 4m high and 4m wide clearance on your driveways so we can get our trucks to you if needed. Hope everyone has some supplies (drinking water, food etc) and alternative lighting too in case of power outages. Stay safe and don’t forget, we are only a phone call away if you need help!
13 March 2014
Waikato District Council Emergency Management issued the following infoamation on preparing for Cyclone Lusi:
The Waikato District Council Emergency Management team is monitoring the Cyclone Lusi situation closely and preparing to respond to this weekend’s forecasted weather event.
Tropical Cyclone Lusi is approaching New Zealand from the north and is expected to bring strong wind, heavy rain and rough seas to the North Island – including the Waikato over the coming weekend.
Met Service has issued a severe weather watch, indicating that heavy rain and easterly gales are expected to spread onto northern New Zealand from later on Friday, head southwards across the remainder of the North Island on Saturday, then to the upper and eastern South Island later on Saturday and Sunday.
The Council’s Emergency Management team is urging Waikato district residents to be prepared and recommends the following actions:
- Keep up-to-date with the weather reports (Met Service, television, radio, online updates, etc)
- Secure large heavy objects and outdoor furniture that may cause damage in high winds
- Ensure that gutters and stormwater drains are kept free from debris/leaves to reduce the risk of surface flooding
- Prepare for power cuts; unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges and if power is lost,unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored
- Have enough supplies to last the weekend.
Residents are also urged to stay indoors and refrain from walking around outside during the storm and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
More detailed advice about what to do before, during and after storms is available at www.getthru.govt.nz