Weather update - Severe wind and heavy rain

Published on 13 April 2017

12 April 2017

As a result of Cyclone Cook, we are expecting heavy rain and strong winds up to 140kmph in Whanganui over the next 48 hours. We are likely to experience the worst of the forecasted weather from tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, April 13.

Although the rivers in our district are very low, with capacity to absorb a lot of rain, our Civil Defence team is watching them closely.

The wet soil, as a result in of the weather we experienced from April 4-6, means forecasted high winds may cause trees to uproot.

Slips, disruptions to roads and power outages may also affect Whanganui. Travel should be avoided if possible.

We urge people to prepare for extreme weather by making sure that outdoor furniture, trampolines and anything else that can be uplifted by strong winds are firmly secured. Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked up, just in case.

For farmers, we advise moving stock to higher ground and/or to shelter as a precaution.

If anything changes, we advise you to check out the Council’s Facebook page for up-to-date Civil Defence Emergency information.