Authorities anticipate Pam's arrival

Rotorua is ready for Cyclone Pam

It was calm before the storm for the Eastern Bay as the region prepared for what Cyclone Pam may have in store.

The category 4 cyclone was expected to track south-east of the North Island early this morning with a severe weather warning issued for the Bay of Plenty, especially east of Edgecumbe. MetService has forecast possible gales in excess of 160km/h and heavy rain of 120mm-140mm, with 180mm-200mm about the ranges.

Click here for latest updates on Cyclone Pam.

Opotiki mayor John Forbes said they were doing everything they could to prepare. "We hope this thing moves out further to the east but you just don't know what will happen, so we are preparing for the worst case scenario," Mr Forbes said.

"We're doing everything we can do, we have been meeting with civil defence and have been in touch with our 14 coastal radio stations to make sure our communities are aware."

Whakatane mayor Tony Bonne said council contractors had been busy clearing drains and gutters.

"I think we're as organised as we can be. Just before the weekend we made sure gutters were cleared out and sprayed in areas where we've had problems. Our council staff have done as much as they can and we've asked residents to check their own drains in their street.

"[Yesterday] afternoon we will also be having a briefing of emergency services."

A contractor's yard is open where sand bags are available for purchase, with some businesses already stocking up for their shopfronts.

Mr Bonne said there was no sign of the expected severe weather yesterday. "It's just overcast, there's no real winds but it's the lull period."

Firefighters and appliances were also moving into the vulnerable coastal areas as Cyclone Pam approached.

Fire service deputy national commander Paul McGill said deploying resources now would provide extra support for local crews and allow personnel to get into position in areas likely to be cut off by flooding.

Mr McGill said the Fire Service had activated three of its regional and five of its local co-ordination centres to ensure crews and equipment were used to best effect.

He said firefighters would provide as much assistance as possible to local communities. This was likely to include helping people isolated by flooding and slips or stuck in vehicles, pumping out flooded buildings, salvage work and securing damaged buildings.