Area Coromandel Peninsula,Waikato,Bay of Plenty,Rotorua,Taupo,Gisborne
An unstable and moist atmosphere brings a risk of thunderstorms to parts of the North Island today. For eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti, there is also a moderate risk of localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h until late evening. Note, Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for widespread heavy rain are also in force for some of these regions.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Area Wairarapa, Tararua District and the Tararua Range
Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: High.
Area Inland Whanganui and Manawatu north of Marton, also Taihape
Expect 90 to 130 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h. Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low.
Area Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast
Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Whanganui
South to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Gisborne/Tairawhiti south of Poverty Bay
Severe gale west to southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places, especially about the coast. Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Moderate.
Area Wairarapa and the Tararua District
Severe gale southwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low.
Area Manawatu and Taihape
Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Hawke's Bay west and south of Wairoa
Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate. Changes: Timing for onset of heavy rain delayed.
1.Identify the risks to your business and staff
Find out what the risks are and how they can impact your business. Risks include natural hazards, health emergencies and utility failures.
If you have staff, talk to them about the risks they think are most relevant to your business.
Here is more on assessing health and safety risks
2.Make an emergency plan for your business
Businesses have an obligation to be prepared for an emergency. In most cases, we can’t predict when an emergency will happen. But we can make plans to make sure our staff are safe, our financial and personal losses are reduced and we are able to get back to business as soon as possible.
Included in your plan
- Emergency procedures for fire, earthquake, tsunami and other hazards.
- Assembly points, wardens and first aid training.
- How to contact staff, suppliers, clients and insurance providers.
- Alternative arrangements if you are unable to access your premises, files, etc.
Talk to your disabled staff. Determine what support they may need in the event of an emergency. Also, consider how you might need to assist any visitors with disabilities.
Make sure you and your staff are ready by doing emergency planning
3.Look after your staff
Staff are your most important asset. They bring unique skills and knowledge, hold key relationships, and provide a high level of flexibility to your organisation. During a time of disruption, your staff could be the difference between success and failure.
As an employer, you have a duty of care to your staff, including caring for them during and after emergencies.
Start by involving your staff in identifying risks and making an emergency plan. Talk to them about what they, and their whānau, would need to get through an emergency.
Make sure your staff have personal workplace emergency plans so they know who to contact at work in an emergency and have a plan to get home safely.
In an emergency, your staff may be stuck at work or unable to take transport home for a day or more.
Make sure you have enough supplies for everyone onsite for three days. This should include for visitors too.
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4.Create contingency plans
Develop a contingency plan for your whole business. It should include staff, information, assets, customers, suppliers and distribution channels.
- Identify your core business needs and how you’d manage in an emergency.
- Back up your data.
- Know how to contact staff and suppliers.
- Test your backup systems.