Overnight update from Civil Defence Waikato

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We hope you are doing okay out there. Below is an update from Civil Defence Waikato:

🌬️CYCLONE VAIANU Overnight Update: Sunday 12 April 🌧️

Mōrena, as forecast, Cyclone Vaianu impacted overnight. The cyclone is tracking as expected down the east coast of the North Island, with potentially damaging impacts likely today and this evening.

There are widespread power outages across Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. Power companies are restoring services in some areas where it is safe to do so. Some at risk communities in other North Island regions have been evacuated, and Civil Defence Centres have been opened to receive displaced people.
The system brings a combination of damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, and coastal inundation, with the potential for more power outages, road closures, and isolated communities.

MetService, NEMA, Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, NZDF, Police and FENZ have been activated in response to Cyclone Vaianu, with coordinated efforts underway across agencies and CDEM Groups.
If you are yet to feel the impacts of Vaianu, there is still time to prepare:
🔹Prepare for power cuts. Have torches ready and ensure you have access to a battery or solar-powered radio so you can stay up to date with the latest information and alerts.
🔹Check on neighbours, especially those who may be elderly, isolated, or without reliable communications.

Stay safe:
🔸The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a potentially life-threatening event.
🔸More rain falling on ground that’s already saturated, means impacts like fallen trees, landslides, flooding and dangerous river conditions are more likely.
🔸Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.
🔸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.
🔸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.
🔸Don’t wait for emergency mobile alerts or other official warnings if you see flood waters rising or suspect that a landslide is about to occur – trust your danger sense and act immediately.
🔸Keep up to date with MetService watches and warnings and follow the advice of your local Civil Defence group and emergency services.