Warnings over cyclone

Cyclone Cody is expected to pass to the east of Aotearoa without making landfall but will still bring heavy rain.

MetService forecaster Paul Ngamanu said the cyclone has moved and would mainly affect the East Coast of the North Island.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Gisborne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty starting at 3am tomorrow.

The only real impact on other parts of the country would be big seas, Ngamanu said.

On Friday, MetService announced residents on exposed coastlines on the North Island should prepare for dangerously high waves of up to eight metres.

Flooding risks and power outages over the weekend had also been described as “highly possible” in eastern Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay by Weather Watch.

Gisborne Civil Defence emergency manager Ben Green said yesterday they want to be prepared for any scenario.

“We’re probably as well set up as we can be going into what’s hopefully potentially just a glance of the system coming through.”

Green said they had been doing courtesy calls to make sure people in remote areas of the region were aware gale-force winds, intense rain and high seas were likely.

River levels were being monitored and there had been additional cleaning of sewers and stormwater pipes, he said.

Transport agency Waka Kotahi said people should be prepared for large swells on low-lying coastal roads, as well as heavy rain and severe gales.

This kind of weather can cause slips, with debris and trees falling on the roads.

Waka Kotahi’s national journey manager Helen Harris said high-sided vehicles need to be particularly cautious in such conditions and drivers should consider not travelling until the severe weather dies down, even if the roads are open.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) was also urging the public to take much greater care on northeastern beaches and prepare for closures as the storm nears.

SLSNR lifesaving operations manager James Lea warned beachgoers and holiday-makers to remain vigilant as large waves and strong rip currents created dangerous swimming conditions.

“With forecasted strong winds and a lot of energy pushing into eastern beaches this weekend, it will be important to maintain your safety and safety of others this weekend. Strong surf and large waves will create strong currents,” Lea said.

“There will be a lot of water moving, which would easily knock you off your feet. Keep a close eye on young children — be able to reach them quickly, see them at all times and stay well away from the water.

“We also ask that storm-spectators and rock-fishers take extra care if spending any time on the rocks this weekend. Large swells can easily knock you off and into the dangerous water.”

We ask that stormspectators and rock-fishers take extra care if spending any time on the rocks this weekend. James Lea, Surf Life Saving