Media release #2 - Cyclone Vaianu - 1.00pm, Sunday, 12 April 2026
Published on 12 April 2026
A strong wind watch remains in place for Whanganui from 6.00pm Sunday 12 April 2026. This watch has been extended to 1.00am Monday 13 April.
It is likely we will experience strong southeasterlies, changing to gale southwesterlies Sunday afternoon and evening with severe gales in exposed places.
At this stage, there is a low chance this could be upgraded to a warning, but it’s something we’ll be watching closely.
Conditions may change as Cyclone Vaianu gets closer and it’s a good time to be prepared, says Emergency Management Controller Catherine Dutton.
“Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management is working closely with partner agencies and communities across the district. We have experienced and capable people ensuring our community is safe and informed.”
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.
We’ll continue to monitor things closely and share updates here, on Facebook and Antenno as we have them.
Download the Antenno app
Helpful information
Civil defence
Civil Defence Manawatū-Whanganui website
Civil Defence Manawatū-Whanganui Facebook page
Weather and traffic updates
MetService for latest weather updates
NZTA for traffic and travel updates
Power
The Powerco website is the best place to receive updates
Contact centres
If you need to report an emergency situation call 111.
If you need to contact Whanganui District Council about a weather-related issue, please call us on 06349 0001. This number is monitored 24/7.
Weather update
A strong wind watch remains in place for Whanganui from 6.00pm Sunday 12 April until 1.00am Monday 13 April. Southwesterlies may approach severe gale in exposed places. There is a low chance of this being upgraded to a warning.
Road closures
Currently there no cyclone-related road closures in Whanganui.
Changes to road closures can be found on Facebook, the council website and Antenno.
If you must travel, check your route using the NZTA journey planner for state highway closures. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Please drive to the conditions and watch for fallen trees and debris.
Power
The Powerco website is the best place to receive updates https://outages.powerco.co.nz/
Contact centres
If you have need to report an emergency situation call 111.
If you need to contact Whanganui District Council about a weather-related issue, please call us on 349 0001. This number is monitored 24/7.