Residents advised to prepare for storm this weekend

Published on 13 March 2014

13 March 2014

Wanganui District Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for the potential of severe weather this weekend.

At this stage, computer models expect Cyclone Lusi to arrive over northern New Zealand on Saturday or early Sunday, and then to track southwards over central New Zealand before moving out to sea east of the South Island on Monday.

Cyclone Lusi is expected to transition into a sub-tropical weather system as it approaches New Zealand, but it is still expected to be a dangerous storm. Severe weather is likely to affect many regions during this event, especially during the weekend from Northland down to Canterbury.

As Cyclone Lusi approaches New Zealand, people are advised to keep up to date in the coming days with official weather warnings and forecasts from MetService . Radio and television weather updates will also provide current weather information.

“The Wanganui District Emergency Management Committee met on Wednesday and was briefed on the likely weather events this weekend,” Wanganui District Council Emergency Manager Matthew Smith said.

“We will be passing updated information between the emergency response organisations as the week progresses and monitoring the situation”.

Mr Smith advises people to keep themselves updated on the progress of Cyclone Lusi and adjust their plans accordingly. Taking some time now to secure or remove any items that could become airborne during high winds is a sensible precaution. More information on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at www.getthru.govt.nz.

During a Civil Defence emergency, listen to the radio for updates:
More FM 92.8FM
National Radio 567AM/101.6FM
Radio Live 96FM
NewstalkZB 1197AM
The Avenue 105.6FM
Classic Hits 89.6FM

During an emergency, if life or property is threatened dial 111. For information, visit the Wanganui District Council website, follow Wanganui District Council on Facebook or call Wanganui Civil Defence on 349 0515.