Residents are urged to take extra care over the next few days as Cyclone Cook continues to move towards New Zealand.
Although the cyclone has been officially downgraded to an extra tropical low, the Waikato region is expected to be hit by heavy rain and strong winds from tomorrow (13 April).
Waikato District Council is encouraging its residents to take note of the following advice during this period of bad weather:
You should:
- Stay inside. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to travel take extra care due to surface water on roads and debris that may be left on the road due to previous slips.
- Drive with extreme caution if travel is essential. If you are driving at night don’t rely on signage, you may be the first to come across a slip or flooding.
- Bring your pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
- Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry. Civil Defence is advising people to have food and water for seven days.
- Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.
- Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass.
- If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house.
- Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances that could be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
- Stay out of flood water as there is a risk of wastewater contamination and unknown hazards.
- If people or property are in danger always call 111. Call 0800 492 452 to report damage.
- If you feel your home is at risk please seek alternative accommodation with friends or family. If you can’t, please contact Waikato District Council on 0800 492 452.
There are still roads in our district closed following last week’s ex-Cyclone Debbie.
In addition, the following roads in the Waikato District Council area have been affected by the today’s rain (12 April):
- Tahuna Road – 21km mark, flooding
- River Road outside Turangawaewae Marae - flooding
- Cherry Lane, Tamahere - flooding
- Pencarrow Road, Tamahere – flooding
- Kahui Avenue, Matangi - flooding
- Martin Road/Mawston Road, Waerenga - flooding
- Swan Road, Te Kauwhata - flooding
- Waikare Road, Te Kauwhata – tree down and flooding
- Hakarimata Road, Ngaruawahia – underslip
Stay informed
- www.metservice.co.nz
- www.civildefence.govt.nz
- www.facebook.com/waikatodistrictcouncil
- www.twitter.com/waikatodistrict
- www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz
Media contact:
Public Information Manager, Jacob Quinn
Phone: 027 509 8907
Email: communications@waidc.govt.nz
