13.04.22 10am

The Metservice severe red weather warning for Wairoa remains in place.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fili is bearing down on Wairoa and is expected to bring rainfall of 250 - 350 mm gale winds of up to 120kmh forecast in exposed places.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the weather event is being monitored. “We are working closely with our neighbouring regions, particularly Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management and other agencies and gathering information and data to ensure we are prepared and can react with the most appropriate response and resources if needed.

“We are hoping for the best but planning for the worst. We have responders on standby and if the weather event creates a situation where a State of Emergency needs to be declared then that is what we will do.

“Safety is our priority, particularly as our community is still recovering from the rainfall in March and this burst of further significant rain will cause additional slips and worsen damage to already saturated land. 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.

“I know some areas of our district will be impacted more than others and our monitoring is across every direction.  

“Dangerous river conditions and flooding were expected, although the HBRC has advised its monitoring indicates an annual event, rather than a one in 20-year event.  Slips and floodwaters will make driving conditions dangerous and will make some roads impassable isolating some rural communities.

“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

“For those people who live close to waterways or steep slopes, you should be prepared to evacuate.

“This weather event is likely to particularly to impact coastal and rural areas, so we're encouraging farmers to move stock and equipment to high ground.”

“I encourage everyone to look out for updates as the weather progresses and be prepared to move or seek help if they feel at risk.”

“Please stay up-to-date with forecasts at Metservice and through the Wairoa District Council Facebook page.”

13 April 2022

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