Easterly gales and heavy rain are forecast to bear down on Northland tomorrow night and on Sunday.
A rare region-wide state of emergency has been declared in Northland before Cyclone Vaianu strikes this weekend.
The emergency declaration was made at 5pm today as part of Northland’s cyclone response and will last for seven days.
MetService today issued a suite of weather warnings and watches across the whole of the North Island.
Cyclone Vaianu is expected to bring periods of severe winds and heavy rain across Northland, with eastern areas likely to be most affected.
Severe gale winds, shifting from southeast to southwest, could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Surface flooding, rapidly rising rivers and slips may also occur.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) group controller Damian Rio said region-wide emergency declarations were relatively rare in Northland.
The move was a precaution given the potentially significant impacts Cyclone Vaianu may have across Tai Tokerau.
A declared emergency gives Civil Defence extra powers to protect people and property during serious events, Rio said.
Emergency powers most often allowed authorities to order evacuations, enter properties, close roads and public places, move vehicles and vessels, and take control of essential supplies.
Enabling evacuations is usually the main reason an emergency is declared.
An orange strong wind warning is in place for Northland from 11pm tomorrow until 2pm Sunday.
South of the Bay of Islands and the Hokianga Harbour are under an orange heavy rain warning from 9pm tomorrow until 9am Sunday.
A heavy rain watch is in place for areas north of those locations, from 7pm tomorrow until 7am Sunday.
Rio said it was unclear whether emergency powers will need to be used, but the declaration ensures the region is prepared should conditions worsen.
“It gives us the tools to respond effectively and keep our communities safe if the situation escalates.”
CDEM group chairman Colin Kitchen acknowledged it was a difficult time for many communities still reeling from recent weather events.
“I want to acknowledge the efforts people are making now to get prepared, look out for their neighbours and follow official advice. Those actions make a real difference.”
Kitchen said Northlanders should continue to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and official information, have a plan in case they need to evacuate, check on neighbours, avoid non-essential travel during the weather warning periods and take extreme care if it is necessary to be on the roads.
Whangārei supermarkets were reportedly busy with shoppers stocking up on supplies today.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday urged Kiwis in the North to “stock up, get supplies and tie things down”.
A shopper at Pak’nSave Whangārei reported long queues that stretched down an aisle in the middle of the store.
“[The] supermarket is crazy ... everyone’s stocking up,” they said.
Woolworths in Okara, Whangārei, was busy but no worse than a typical Saturday morning. New World Regent had some shoppers but no queues.
Bottled water appeared to be a popular item, according to a shopper.
At Mitre 10 in Whangārei, a number of generators were out front waiting for customers to pick up their purchases.
Several types of generators appeared to be out of stock in online checks at places such as Bunnings.
Civil Defence has encouraged people to stock up sensibly, particularly on essentials, before possible power cuts or isolation.
Foodstuffs has previously urged customers to shop normally during severe weather events, saying it works closely with suppliers to keep stores stocked and essential items available.
Meteorologist Alanna Burrows said Cyclone Vaianu was a “very strong wind event”, with severe gales and gusts forecast to reach up to 130km/h.
Southeasterlies turning southwesterly meant Northland would be hit from both sides, she said.
“There’s not really a sheltered spot with this system coming through.”
Burrows said people would start to see a build-up of winds before the warning times, but those periods were when conditions would reach their peak.
Northeasterly swells were developing today, rising to 4m, and combined with tomorrow’s system would double to 8m.
Those on the east coast should be wary of such conditions, with a half-metre storm surge also possible with the passage of the low centre.
“For those coastal communities, it’s worth considering that and how you might protect yourself,” Burrows said.
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is encouraging people feeling overwhelmed by the cyclone news to have a kōrero with someone. Free call or text 1731 day or night, seven days a week.
Local councils, emergency services and Northland CDEM continue to meet regularly and are co-ordinating for this event.
Key updates will continue to be posted on the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland and the Civil Defence section of Northland Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.