Bay of Plenty Civil Defence prepares for Cyclone Gita arrival

Weatherwatch says Gita's precise area of landfall and strength as it crosses New Zealand cannot be locked in for another day or two. Image / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence are planning for the possibility of Cyclone Gita making landfall in the region, with heavy rain expected early next week.

Duty group controller Jono Meldrum said current modelling showed the cyclone arriving in New Zealand late Tuesday afternoon.

"...but cyclones can be unpredictable. Regardless of when or where it hits, the entire North Island can expect heavy rain from early next week."

Meldrum said Cyclone Gita, which ravaged parts of Samoa, Tonga and southern Fiji this week, was still too far out to say with certainty which way it will track or when it will arrive.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence has been meeting this week to plan for the possibility of the arrival of Cyclone Gita and, along with various partner agencies across the region, it will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend.

Tips from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence for the weekend

•Take the time to prepare your property for high winds and secure large outdoor items like trampolines.
•Clear your gutters and spouting.
•Keep an eye on Metservice for up-to-date weather info.