Nation on high alert for Gita
Julie Ann Genter were to meet at MetService headquarters yesterday for a briefing.
“We’re tracking [Gita’s] progress to try and get a sense of the magnitude and make sure there is a co-ordinated response across areas it will affect,” Ardern said.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is urging drivers to consider delaying travel.
Driving conditions are likely to be treacherous in many affected areas, with heavy rain and very strong winds, says senior journey manager Neil Walker.
“This is a major weather event and the combination of rain, wind and storm surges could cause flooding, slips and coastal inundation, resulting in very difficult driving conditions,” he said.
The West Coast and Nelson would be particularly vulnerable to disruption given several roads are still being repaired after damage from ex-cyclone Fehi, and SH1 north and south of Kaikoura could also be closed.
With storm surges predicted for Nelson, as a precaution SH6 Rocks Rd will be closed from 10am to 4pm today.
Campers, trampers and boaties were being urged to leave Marlborough.
Severe weather could occur in coastal North Island areas from Raglan southwards to southern Wairarapa and in the South Island from Buller and North Canterbury northwards.
Heavy rain warnings, including winds of up to 140km/h, are now in place for Nelson and Buller from 9am, with 150-200mm of rain expected to fall west of Motueka.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for the possibility of power cuts, water outages and road closures.
“Cyclone Gita has the potential to pack a punch and cause a lot of disruption,” director Sarah Stuart-Black said on Sunday.
Residents in the Nelson Tasman region are urged to plan for storm surge effects similar to ex-Cyclone Fehi.
Those in low lying coastal areas should consider staying with family and friends.
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is urging locals to listen to the radio or to get on social media for the latest information about whether roads are open and if the rail is operating — and to check your children’s school website for additional information. — NZN