Update History

Kia ora everyone! We’ve got some good news to share regarding the weather.

MetService updated their weather watches and warnings just after 8.30pm tonight (Sun 12 April), and there is now only one area of concern for the region.

Tararua District - you have a strong wind warning in place until 7am Mo…

Kia ora everyone! We’ve got some good news to share regarding the weather.

MetService updated their weather watches and warnings just after 8.30pm tonight (Sun 12 April), and there is now only one area of concern for the region.

Tararua District - you have a strong wind warning in place until 7am Monday. The forecast is for severe gale northwesterlies in exposed places, gusting 120 km/h. Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

All other watches and warnings are now over. Cyclone Vaianu ended up tracking further to the east than initially forecast, which means the western parts of our region have been less impacted than initially forecast.

If you’re in a place where there’s no watches or warnings, you may still have some rough weather overnight. Continue to take care.

We have no state of emergency declarations anywhere across the region, and do not expect any based on the forecast.

Advice we’ve got from Horizons Regional Council indicates we’re not looking at river flooding. Having rivers at low flow after dry weather means they had lots of capacity to cope with the rain which did fall.

We’ve got staff who can be on all night if required. However, we’ll continue to assess the situation.

If we do head off later this evening, it doesn’t mean no one is there to help you if need be. Emergency services are there 24/7 as per usual, and just a 111 call away.

At this stage, we may not do another update until tomorrow morning. Continue to stay alert & look after each other.

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to pass across the Manawatu-Whanganui Region from late afternoon into the early evening today, Sunday 12 April.

Strong winds which change direction and heavy localised downpours potentially causing surface flooding are the main hazards for our region.

Localised surface flo…

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to pass across the Manawatu-Whanganui Region from late afternoon into the early evening today, Sunday 12 April.

Strong winds which change direction and heavy localised downpours potentially causing surface flooding are the main hazards for our region.

Localised surface flooding is likely for several areas of the region, including Rangitikei, coastal Tararua, and Taumarunui.

Regional weather watches and warnings as at 10am Sunday 12 April:

Taumarunui (Waimarino National Park up) – a strong wind warning is in place from 9am Sunday until 3am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies are forecast for late Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 120km/h in exposed places.

North Rangitikei and South Ruapehu (Waimarino National Park down and Mangaweka up) – a strong wind warning is in place from 9am Sunday to 5am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale northwesterlies Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 130km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.

Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges – a heavy rain warning is in place from 10am to 10pm Sunday. Expect 150 to 180mm of rain, possibly more. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h in localised downpours this afternoon and evening. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.

Whanganui – a strong wind watch is in place from 6pm Sunday to 1am Monday. Strong southeasterlies changing to gale southwesterlies on Sunday afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies may approach severe gales in exposed places.

Tararua – a strong wind warning is in place from 10pm Sunday until 8am Monday. Severe gale westerlies on Sunday night will gust 120km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of an upgrade to a red warning.

Tararua – a heavy rain warning for the coastal hills of Hawke’s Bay south of Cape Kidnappers and Wairarapa, which includes Tararua District, is also in place from 11am to midnight on Sunday. Expect 70 to 100mm with peak rates of 25 to 40mm/h possible in localised downpours this afternoon and evening.

Tararua Range also has a heavy rain warning in place from 11am until midnight on Sunday. Expect 90 to 120mm of rain with peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected on Sunday afternoon and evening.

Manawatū (including Palmerston North), Horowhenua – a strong wind watch is in place from 11am Sunday until 6am Monday.

There are no declarations of emergency for our region yet.

What’s being done?

Agencies across the region are well prepared and are coordinating their response, with staff in the Group Emergency Coordination Centre rostered on for the next 24 hours including overnight.

Horizons Regional Council river management staff are on standby monitoring river levels and flood assets. 

What we need you to do:

• During a storm, stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.
• Recreational water users are advised to stay away from coastal areas. 
• If you do have to travel, take care. The speed limit is not a target, and there may be road blockages we do not yet know about. Take your time.
• If in doubt, get out – this applies to people and stock. You are best to pre-emptively evacuate areas, rather than waiting for conditions to worsen overnight. If you do evacuate, ensure you tell friends or family where you plan to go to.
• Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.  Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.
• If a landslide occurs – or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick.

Power advice:

• If you lose power, unplug major appliances to avoid power surge damage, use torches instead of candles as they’re safer.
• If you rely on power for medical equipment and lose power, call 111 or go to your nearest medical centre if it is safe to do so.
• If you have a power cut, eat food in your fridge first, then your freezer, then your cupboard or emergency kit. Minimise the number of times you open your fridge or freezer door.
• During power outages to keep up to date with the latest news, use a solar-or battery-powered radio (or your car radio). Find lists of radio stations broadcasting emergency information here: https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/stay-informed#radio

Cell coverage advice:

• Limit call durations and use TXT where you can. Avoid using data as it drains your battery.
• If you are in danger, call 111. 111 calls will be carried on other networks. If your phone says “No Service”, try anyway and give the phone time to connect.

Cyclone Vaianu is starting to make an impact, with wind picking up and rain on the horizon. This will be our last pānui (public notice, announcement, proclamation) today.

As is tradition, we start with the MetService watches and warnings. MetService did an update to their watches and warnings just b…

Cyclone Vaianu is starting to make an impact, with wind picking up and rain on the horizon. This will be our last pānui (public notice, announcement, proclamation) today.

As is tradition, we start with the MetService watches and warnings. MetService did an update to their watches and warnings just before 9pm, so this information is as fresh as they can get.

• Southern Ruapehu (think Waimarino down) and northern Rangitīkei (think Mangaweka up) - you have a strong wind warning from 9am Sunday until 2am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale northwesterlies are forecast for Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 130km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
• Northern Ruapehu - a strong wind warning is place 2am until 11pm Sunday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly late afternoon or evening Sunday, gusting 120km/h in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a red warning.
• Northern Ruapehu also has a heavy rain watch from 8am until 8pm Sunday. Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Tararua - a strong wind warning is in place 11pm Sunday until 8am Monday. Easterly quarter winds tending severe gale westerlies Sunday night, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. There is minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning.
• Tararua (excluding the Tararua Range) also has a heavy rain watch for 11am until 11pm Sunday. Periods of heavy rain are forecast, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Tararua Range - there is a heavy rain warning in place 11am until midnight Sunday. Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected Sunday afternoon and evening. Minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning.
• Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges - there is a heavy rain warning in place 3am until 9pm Sunday. Expect 150 to 180 mm of rain, possibly more. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h on Sunday afternoon and evening. Moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
• Southern Rangitīkei and Whanganui - a strong wind watch is in place from 6pm Sunday until 1am Monday. Strong southeasterlies, changing to gale southwesterly Sunday afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies may approach severe gale in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Manawatū and Horowhenua - a strong wind watch is in place from 10am Sunday until 6am Monday. Easterly quarter winds turning west to southwesterly. Winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

We’ve had staff in our Group Emergency Coordination Centre today to prepare for Cyclone Vaianu impacting us tomorrow. We’ve got more staff heading in tomorrow, and will have a night shift well stocked with caffeine throughout Sunday evening into Monday morning.

There are no state of emergency declarations in our region.

Our updates since Wednesday have focused on preparing your property, pets and stock, getting grab bags ready, thinking twice about heading on holiday or out hunting during the roar, and on what to do if the power goes out. Select See all past updates under this update to read that advice. 

Tonight’s advice is all about flood waters. While we’ve talked a lot about the impact of high winds, we’re also expecting heavy rain in many parts of the region tomorrow.

What to know about flood waters 

• Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
• Floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
• Stay informed. Listen to the radio and follow official advice from emergency management and emergency services.
• Stay out of flood water. No swimming, no paddling, no popping a manu into a flooded river (yes, we know of people doing this). Flood water is dangerous, likely contaminated, can make you sick, can flow very quickly, and generally isn’t the kind of stuff you want to be in. Even water just 15cm deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Do not drive through flood water. People have died during recent weather events after driving into flood water. We do not want that to happen to you. Flood water half a metre deep will carry away most vehicles.
  
  

If floodwaters get close to your home, do the following:

• Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
• Turn off the power and gas if told to do so by authorities as it can help prevent damage to your home and/or community.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and storage containers with clean water in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
• Bring pets inside. On farms, move stock to higher ground.
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

It's okay to feel not quite right at the moment. Severe weather can be scary. If you need support, there is help available.

1737 is a free helpline that is available 24/7. Call or text 1737 for brief emotional support with trained counsellors and peer support workers Learn more: https://1737.org…

It's okay to feel not quite right at the moment. Severe weather can be scary. If you need support, there is help available.

1737 is a free helpline that is available 24/7. Call or text 1737 for brief emotional support with trained counsellors and peer support workers Learn more: https://1737.org.nz/

You are not alone. Check in with family, friends, or your neighbours. Talk about how you feel with the approaching severe weather.

If you are okay, check on those in your circle or neighbourhood. All they might need right now is a friend.

MetService updated their weather watches and warnings at 10am morning. Thankfully, we have no red-level warnings across our region. However, things have changed since yesterday evening, so please pay attention.

• Southern Ruapehu (think Waimarino down) and northern Rangitīkei (think Mangaweka up) - y…

MetService updated their weather watches and warnings at 10am morning. Thankfully, we have no red-level warnings across our region. However, things have changed since yesterday evening, so please pay attention.

• Southern Ruapehu (think Waimarino down) and northern Rangitīkei (think Mangaweka up) - you have a strong wind warning from 9am Sunday until 2am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale northwesterlies are forecast for Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 130km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
• Northern Ruapehu - a strong wind warning is place 2am until 10pm Sunday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly late afternoon or evening Sunday, gusting 120km/h in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a red Warning.
• Northern Ruapehu also has a heavy rain watch from 8am until 8pm Sunday. Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Tararua - a strong wind warning is in place 11pm Sunday until 8am Monday. Easterly quarter winds tending severe gale westerlies Sunday night, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. There is minimal chance of upgrading to a red Warning.
• Tararua also has a heavy rain watch for 11am until 11pm Sunday. Periods of heavy rain are forecast, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Tararua Range - there is a heavy rain warning in place 11am until midnight Sunday. Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected Sunday afternoon and evening. Minimal chance of upgrading to a red Warning.
• Southern Rangitīkei and Whanganui - a strong wind watch is in place from 6pm until 11pm Sunday. Strong southeasterlies, changing to gale southwesterly Sunday afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies may approach severe gale in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a warning.
• Manawatū and Horowhenua - a strong wind watch is in place from 10am Sunday until 6am Monday. Easterly quarter winds turning west to southwesterly. Winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

The forecast is changing as Cyclone Vaianu approaches. Continue to keep an eye on our Facebook page and website, as well as MetService and news websites, for the latest information.

Please go back and look at previous updates on this page preparedness information.

MetService has updated their weather watches and warnings. This is how they are as of 9pm on Friday 10 April:

• Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu – a strong wind warning is in place from 1pm until 11pm Sunday. Strong or gale east to southeasterlies, changing to gale or severe gale southwesterly Sunda…

MetService has updated their weather watches and warnings. This is how they are as of 9pm on Friday 10 April:

• Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu – a strong wind warning is in place from 1pm until 11pm Sunday. Strong or gale east to southeasterlies, changing to gale or severe gale southwesterly Sunday afternoon and evening, gusting 120km/h in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a red-level warning.
• Northern Ruapehu (think Waimarino National Park and up) - a heavy rain watch is in place 10am Sunday until 2am Monday. There will be periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. There’s a moderate chance of upgrading to a heavy rain warning.
• Tararua – a strong wind watch is in place from 10am Sunday until 9am Monday. There is a high chance of an upgrade to a strong wind warning.
• Tararua also has a heavy rain watch in place from 11am until 11pm Sunday. There is a moderate chance of an upgrade to a heavy rain warning.
• Manawatū (including Palmerston North) and Horowhenua – a strong wind watch is in place from 10am Sunday until 6am Monday. Expect easterly quarter winds turning west to southwesterly. Winds are likely to reach severe gale in exposed places and may be damaging. There’s a chance of upgrading to a warning.

There are no state of emergency declarations in our region. Northland has made a declaration in advance of the cyclone reaching Aotearoa New Zealand. However, they are forecast to have far greater impacts than our region is. We do not yet meet the threshold for a state of emergency declaration. That could change as the forecast is updated and the cyclone gets closer to our region. If any state of emergency declarations are made, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Power outage advice

With wind forecast to gust well above 100km/h, its very likely there will be power outages from Sunday. 

Here are some key things you should do during a power outage:

• Unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
• Don’t use candles as they're a fire risk. Use a torch instead!
• If you are medically dependent on power, in an emergency call 111 or go to your nearest medical centre.
• Treat all downed lines/electrical equipment as LIVE at all times.
• Have a solar-powered or battery-powered radio so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts.
• If the power goes out, eat the food from your fridge first, then your freezer, then the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
• Talk to your neighbours about what they’ll do if the power is out. You might find they have a gas barbecue and you have enough food and water to share (or the other way round).
• If you need emergency help, always try calling 111 — even if your mobile phone shows no signal or your network provider appears unavailable. Your call may still connect via another network provider nearby even if your own network provider services are down.
• The same applies if you have no credit on your mobile phone account. Emergency calls to 111 are free of charge and can be made even without credit.

People in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region should take steps to prepare for Cyclone Vaianu, which is forecast to impact the region on Sunday.

MetService New Zealand updated weather watches and warnings at 10am today, with the entire North Island under a watch or warning.

• Rangitīkei, Whanganui and…

People in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region should take steps to prepare for Cyclone Vaianu, which is forecast to impact the region on Sunday.

MetService New Zealand updated weather watches and warnings at 10am today, with the entire North Island under a watch or warning.

• Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu – a strong wind warning is in place from 1pm until 11pm Sunday. Severe gale southeasterlies changing to severe gale southwesterly are forecast for Sunday evening, gusting 120km/h in exposed places.
• Tararua – a strong wind watch is in place from noon Sunday until 9am Monday. There is a high chance of an upgrade to a strong wind warning. Tararua also has a heavy rain watch in place from 11am until 11pm Sunday. There is a moderate chance of an upgrade to a heavy rain warning.
• Manawatū (including Palmerston North), Horowhenua – a strong wind watch is in place from 11am Sunday until 6am Monday. There is a high chance of an upgrade to a strong wind warning. 

MetService says Cyclone Vaianu is expected to bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the potential for coastal inundation.

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management group controller Craig Grant says watches and warnings of this size and scale are rare, which show how seriously everyone should take this weather event.

“For our region, extremely strong wind and heavy rain is forecast. High winds could see trees come down, power outages, and other disruption. Heavy rain may cause flooding, which may close roads, disrupt travel and trigger landslides.”

Mr Grant says emergency management staff have been monitoring the situation since early in the week, having regular meetings with national and regional agencies, and are in regular contact with Horizons Regional Council’s hydrology team and MetService to get a better idea of how the weather may impact the region.

“We are setting up our Group Emergency Coordination Centre and will have staff rostered on throughout the weekend, including overnight Sunday, to ensure we can respond to whatever Cyclone Vaianu brings.

“Other agencies, including power companies and LandSAR, are all working to increas resources and ensure they are strategically placed around the region so they can respond as required.”

With it being school holidays and peak hunting season during the roar, people thinking of travelling – especially if they’re considering heading into rough country for hunting – should think twice, says Mr Grant.

“We know having to postpone or cancel plans is the last thing people want. However, the forecast weather indicates Sunday is a day where you should be looking to stay indoors and safe rather than travelling or going bush.

“Sadly, people have died during recent weather events across the country. It is better to stay safe than take risks and assume things will be okay. This is not the time for a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude.

“While we continue to prepare, we are again asking people to take some time over the coming days to check that they’re prepared for any severe weather that may arrive.”

Preparation advice

Mr Grant says people can get advice about how to prepare, as well as the latest weather watches and warnings in real-time, on our website.

Key preparations people can make between now and Sunday include:

• Securing outdoor furniture and structures
• Relocating items from flood-prone areas of properties.
• Relocating stock from flood prone areas and bringing pets inside.
• Organise supplies, including food and medications ready in case of any power outages or periods of isolation.
• Having a grab bag and a plan in case evacuations are required.

For more tips on preparing for severe weather see: https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/regional-hazards/storms. 

If you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group will post key updates on its Facebook page and website, as well as providing them to media outlets.

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is continuing to make its way towards Aotearoa New Zealand. The track the cyclone will take is becoming more certain as time goes on. It looks like Vaianu will most impact our region on Sunday afternoon/evening, with wind currently forecast to be the major issue.

There are tw…

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is continuing to make its way towards Aotearoa New Zealand. The track the cyclone will take is becoming more certain as time goes on. It looks like Vaianu will most impact our region on Sunday afternoon/evening, with wind currently forecast to be the major issue.

There are two different severe weather watches in place for the region.

1. The entire region is under a strong wind watch from 4am Sunday 12 April until 1am Monday 13 April. Easterly winds are expected to turn west-to-southwesterly during this time, with severe gales in exposed places. There is a high chance this watch will be upgraded to a strong wind warning, and we’ll share that warning if/when it comes through.
2. A heavy rain watch is in place for northern parts of Ruapehu District (Waimarino National Park and up) from 8am until 8pm Sunday 12 April. Heavy rain is forecast. This watch has a moderate chance of being upgraded to a warning.

We had a meeting at 3pm today with councils, emergency services, lifeline utilities operators and other organisations involved in emergency management and civil defence in our region. Everyone is continuing to monitor Vaianu and get prepared for what it may bring. This includes organising staff to work throughout the weekend, especially on Sunday.

There are no states of emergency in place for anywhere in our region.

We’re getting prepared for Cyclone Vaianu, so you should too.

Decide where you will go if you need to evacuate and make sure everyone in your household knows. Your evacuation place will probably be with friends or family, so make sure they know your plans.

Have a grab bag ready for everyone in your household. Each bag should have the following:

• Warm clothes
• Bottled of water
• Snacks
• Copies of important documents
• Photo ID.

Remember to pack any medications you may need if you need to evacuate. You should also keep your first aid kit, torch, radio and batteries, mobility devices and any other essential supplies somewhere you can grab them in a hurry if you have to evacuate.

Before the weather starts, bring pets indoors and move animals to a safe place. Your pets can get unsettled by storms and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.

Prepare for power outages. Fully charge your phones and power banks and check you have data or credit on your phone.

Head to our website for information on how to get ready for a storm, as well as the latest weather watches and warnings (they automatically populate the top of each webpage): https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/regional-hazards/storms

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is making its way across the Pacific and is tracking towards Aotearoa New Zealand. While uncertainty remains regarding the cyclone's exact track, MetService is forecasting Vaianu to made landfall on Sunday.

MetService has issued a strong wind watch for Sunday 12 April from 1a…

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is making its way across the Pacific and is tracking towards Aotearoa New Zealand. While uncertainty remains regarding the cyclone's exact track, MetService is forecasting Vaianu to made landfall on Sunday.

MetService has issued a strong wind watch for Sunday 12 April from 1am until 11pm for the entire region (and the rest of the North Island). As Vaianu gets closer, MetService is likely to issue orange warnings (and possibly red warnings) as they’ll have more certainty on how the cyclone will move across the motu.

It is always better to be prepared early.

Now is the time to start thinking about the following:

• Tie down or fix any outdoor furniture, play equipment, anything that could be picked up by the wind and turned into a missile.
• Remove debris such as leaves and branches from your gutters and drains.
• Make a plan for your whānau and pets
• Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
• Start planning about where you would move farm animals if there is flooding and high winds.
• Be prepared with torches and have a solar- or battery-powered radio so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts.

More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is on our website: https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/regional-hazards/storms

Keep an eye on our website or MetService for the latest watches and warnings.

This can be a stressful time. If you need to talk to somebody, you can free text or call 1737 to speak to a counsellor, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or talk to your local GP.

Please share this information with whānau, friends and neighbours.