PREPPING FOR GITA

People are being warned to prepare for the possibility of power cuts, water outages, road closures, and big seas as Cyclone Gita affects much of central New Zealand over the next 48 hours.

The MetService expects Gita to track southeastwards across central New Zealand late today and early Wednesday, likely bringing a period of high-impact severe weather to many central areas.

Heavy rain is expected to start in some areas from early today, with a risk of severe gales from early afternoon. Severe gales and heavy rain are being predicted, along with a possibility of coastal flooding.

Swells of more than 6 metres at the top of the South Island were being predicted for late tonight, according to the MetService.

‘‘The passage of Gita is expected to bring a period of high-impact severe weather to many parts of central New Zealand.

‘‘Heavy rain will cause slips, rapidly rising streams and rivers, and flooding. Severe gales with damaging gusts are expected, so people are advised to secure property and items that may be blown away by strong winds,’’ the MetService said.

‘‘There is also the potential for coastal inundation with high tide overnight Tuesday and before dawn on Wednesday, due to the combination of tides, low airpressure, strong onshore winds and large waves in excess of 6 metres in some places.

‘‘For the North Island, coastal areas from Raglan southwards to southern Wairarapa are most at risk. For the South Island, the risk of coastal inundation is greatest for areas from Buller and North Canterbury northwards,’’ the forecaster said.

Gita had the potential to cause a lot of disruption, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (CDEM) director Sarah Stuart-Black said.

‘‘This means preparing for the possibility of power cuts, water outages and road closures that could leave you or your loved ones stranded. It’s also a good idea to have a grab bag ready in case you need to evacuate.

‘‘If you don’t have a household emergency plan, now’s the time to sit down with your family or flatmates and get it done,’’ StuartBlack said.

‘‘Stay safe by staying out of harm’s way. Try and run any important errands before the weather hits so you won’t need to do any non-essential travel in treacherous conditions, and make sure you secure outdoor furniture well in advance.’’

Wellington Water urged householders to check and clear their gutters and drains, and the street drain nearest their house.

‘‘Clear any litter or leaf debris. A blockage here can end up creating a major problem,’’ spokesman Gary O’Meara said. ‘‘Surface water will take the lowest pathway on its way to the sea. If you have a low point on your property, is it vulnerable to flooding or overloaded house guttering?’’