The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group warns people to keep up to date on information in the lead up to Cyclone Lusi hitting the region this weekend.
Regional manager Clinton Naude said Civil Defence staff were ready to respond and were tracking the path of the cycloneclosely.
Heavy rain was expected for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne, with gale force winds for most areas of the North Island.
Large coastal waves and storm surge are expected for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty.
Mr Naude warned there could be flooding, slips, road closures, power failures and phone outages.
"People are encouraged to take steps now to prepare, such as check gutters and drains are cleared, secure items such as plastic garden furniture, rubbish bins and the children's tramp and remember the family pets."
