Council monitoring weather situation

Published on 13 March 2015

13 March 2015

Wanganui District Council Emergency Manager Matthew Smith says while the district is not currently predicted to be directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam, residents should be prepared in case the severe weather comes our way.

“As of Friday night weather forecasts have Cyclone Pam heading down the East Coast of New Zealand late Sunday or early next week,” Mr Smith said.

“The forecast is that the cyclone is expected to reduce in intensity once it moves south of New Caledonia, but MetService models show it will have ‘remarkable persistence’ as it travels on towards New Zealand.

“With the potential impact of the cyclone on our district unpredictable at this stage, our duty staff will be monitoring the situation over the weekend and into next week. Residents should check their emergency preparation plans and keep up to date with the MetService weather forecast. Radio and television weather updates will also carry the latest information.

“If there’s any change in the situation for our district, we will advise our local media and post updates on the Council’s website and Facebook page.”

How you can prepare for a storm

  • Develop a Household Emergency Plan. Assemble and maintain your emergency survival items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit. Information on what you need is available at www.getthru.govt.nz.
  • Prepare your property for high winds. Secure large heavy objects or remove any item which can become a deadly or damaging missile. Get your roof checked regularly to make sure it is secure. List items that may need to be secured or moved indoors when strong winds are forecast.
  • Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
  • If you are renovating or building, make sure all work complies with the New Zealand building code which has specific standards to minimise storm damage.
  • If farming, know which paddocks are safe to move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides and power lines.

Local radio stations to listen to for updates

More FM 92.8FM
The Hits 89.6FM
Radio Live 96FM
The Avenue 105.6FM
National Radio 567AM/101.6FM
NewstalkZB 1197AM

Useful websites

Emergency preparedness www.getthru.govt.nz
Weather information www.metservice.com

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