Council advises preparation ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle - just in case

Published on 10 February 2023

Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, currently in the Coral Sea, is forecast to track southeast towards New Zealand over the next few days. It is expected to bring significant severe weather to northern and central New Zealand from late Sunday onwards.

Gabrielle is likely to approach the northern North Island on Monday and possibly move onto northern and central parts of the North Island on Tuesday. MetService will issue and upgrade warnings and watches over the weekend as things develop.

Emergency Manager Tim Crowe says timing will depend on how the cyclone is tracking and could change as the system changes speed or direction.

“While its probable path is further north and east, there is a small risk of it impacting closer to or on our area should it track differently. It’s possible we will experience heavy rain, localised flooding wind and associated problems such as power outages or slips. This could also include the main rivers as well as smaller streams and creeks.”

He says, “Whanganui’s Civil Defence Team is monitoring the weather and rivers closely, and will provide updates via council communications should the situation change.”

The council’s infrastructure staff and contractors are also taking precautions to minimise impacts on roading and stormwater infrastructure, including checking streams and culverts around the district.

For council updates follow Whanganui District Council on Facebook and Twitter. Check under Latest News on the Whanganui District Council website, or sign up for updates via the free mobile Antenno app.

How you can prepare:

This weekend is a good time to review your household, workplace and personal readiness in anticipation of the cyclone and its potential impacts should it head our way.

Trampolines, loose iron or other items should be well secured, drains checked and cleared and even light garden items put away.

Low surface flooding prone areas such as garages and sheds should have water vulnerable or valuable items raised above ground level where possible. You can view a publicly available electronic map that shows low lying areas on the Whanganui District Council website in the About Whanganui section under Online Maps – Overland Flow Paths.

Be prepared for possible power cuts, and have torches and your family plan ready.

Take this opportunity to check in with family/whānau and neighbours about their preparedness and needs.

More information on readiness can be found at: Home — Get Ready — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand