Media release #1 - Cyclone Vaianu - 5.00pm, Saturday, 11 April 2026
Published on 11 April 2026
There's a strong wind watch in place for Whanganui from 6.00pm until 11.00pm this Sunday, 12 April as Cyclone Vaianu continues to track towards New Zealand.
Winds are expected to build through Sunday afternoon, turning strong southwesterly in the evening, with the potential for very strong gusts in exposed areas. At this stage, there is a low chance this could be upgraded, but it’s something we’ll be watching closely.
While things are calm for now, conditions may change as Cyclone Vaianu gets closer and it’s a good time to be prepared.
There is no state of emergency in place for Whanganui. Our Emergency Management team is ready, key staff are on standby and we’re working closely with partner agencies and communities across the district. We’ll be standing up our Emergency Operations Centre from Sunday morning.
Ahead of Sunday, there are a few things you can do to get sorted.
Secure outdoor items, clear gutters and drains, make a plan with your whānau (and don't forget your pets), check in on neighbours and make sure you have torches and a battery or solar radio. Find more advice here:
https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/regional-hazards/storms
Please share this information with your whānau, friends, and neighbours.
If conditions do worsen, the safest place is indoors. Try to avoid unnecessary travel, and trust your judgement. If you notice rising water or signs of slips, act quickly and don’t wait for official alerts.