A severe weather warning has been issued for Wairoa from tomorrow, Tuesday night (12.04.22), and surrounding regions as Cyclone Fili approaches New Zealand from the northeast.

The forecast for Wairoa, and including Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay, is to expect 150 to 200mm of rain to accumulate, but possibly up to 300mm about the Wairoa district.

Heavy rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, but possibly 35mm/h in localised downpours is forecast along with severe gales.

Large waves are expected to impact northeast and eastern coasts with Mahia forecasted to receive six metre swells from late Wednesday to Thursday.

This heavy rain warning is hot on the heels of the high rainfall already received at the end of March which saturated the Wairoa district.

Local residents, particularly those in more isolated and remote areas, are warned to be prepared and hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said Cyclone Fili is forecast to come in hard and fast over a 24-hour period from Tuesday night, around approximately 9pm, until Wednesday night.

“We encourage people to stock up on supplies or have deliveries sent to you or collected by whānau, friends or neighbours.

“Our message is for people to be prepared, keep safe, stock up if you can and check up on your neighbours.

“Our district is already recovering from a massive saturation and further rain could potentially cause more flooding, slips and road closures. Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

“People need to be aware they may lose their power, and trees and landslides already impacted from the end of March weather event could now be further compromised.

“This is expected to be a significant weather event, and MetService Severe Weather Forecasters will be constantly monitoring developments.

“There remains some uncertainty regarding the exact track and timing of Cyclone Fili, and people are strongly urged to stay up to date with the latest warnings, forecasts, and official advice.”

12 April 2022

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