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New Zealand is bracing for a powerful weather system expected to hit by Saturday night, prompting a state of emergency in Northland, Whakatāne, and Hawke’s Bay. Authorities are warning residents to prepare for what they describe as a “major wind event.”
The alert urges residents to “prepare now,” advising them to have plans in place to shelter at home, manage potential power outages, or evacuate if necessary. “Follow forecasts and do not wait for official warnings,” the alert continues, emphasizing that “wind damage, flooding, and landslides can occur at any time.”
According to reports from Stuff, severe weather watches and warnings are in effect for the entire North Island. Particularly strong wind warnings have been issued for Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula, where gusts could reach up to 130 km/h.
“Wind damage, flooding and landslides can occur at any time.”
Stuff has reported that the entire North Island is under both severe weather watches and warnings, with strong wind warnings for Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula, where gusts of up to 130km/h are expected.
The nation’s South Island is reportedly bracing for heavy rain across eastern Marlborough, especially between Blenheim and Kaikōura and near the Richmond Range.
New Zealand Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell told Stuff that the nation is prepared for Cyclone Vaianu.
”We’ve seen it come through Fiji and the devastation it’s caused there,” he told Stuff.
“We know it’s coming, it’s on its way to us. We’ve learned the lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle, and the whole emergency management system is activated.
“We’re as ready as we can to have the strongest response that we can deliver. Which, of course, helps with a strong recovery as well.”
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