MetService severe weather weather update: April 9. Video / MetService
The Waterfront Half Marathon in Auckland has been postponed because of Cyclone Vaianu, while other events across the North Island have been called off.
The storm is expected to make landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel on Sunday and Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Co-ordination Centre toan orange alert to manage preparations and co-ordinate support.
In a statement posted to its website and social media accounts, organisers of the Waterfront Half Marathon, the course for which stretched from St Heliers to the CBD’s Ferry Building, said the event had been postponed to April 19 over weather concerns.
“Whilst there still remains some uncertainty around the weather conditions for this Sunday, April 12, current MetService forecasts predict ‘damaging and potentially life-threatening’ winds whilst other government agencies have advised preparedness and extreme caution,” the statement read.
“The zenith of the storm’s effects on Auckland coincide exactly with the event window.
“Against that backdrop, it is not tenable or responsible to proceed. We understand how disappointing this news is. We’re gutted. But the safety of everyone involved in the event must come first.”
The Waterfront Half Marathon has been postponed because of Cyclone Vaianu.
The organisers said they wanted to provide certainty to participants and event partners and waiting longer to make a decision would have jeopardised the ability to reschedule to an alternate date.
Elsewhere, the Marton Harvest Festival has been cancelled because of the cyclone and its potential impact on the Rangitīkei District.
“We know that this festival is one of the highlights of the year for many of our residents, and attracts thousands of visitors to the district,” a statement from the festival’s organisers read.
“However, the safety of people and property is our priority, and so we’ve made this decision now to provide certainty to our vendors, entertainers, volunteers and attendees.
“We also explored alternative dates – none of which would work for everyone involved.”
Forecasters have warned strong winds and heavy rains could cause power outages, flooding, fallen trees, slips and road closures, while waves of up to 12m are expected to hit the east coast.
