Emergency Response Underway as Cyclone Vaianu Impacts North Island
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
The storm will bring snow to very low levels from tomorrow (Wednesday) and biting southerly gales, says a MetService report.
Media and communications meteorologist Daniel Corbett says: "This winter storm will have quite a bit of bark and bite, and is expected to bring widespread severe weather for much of New Zealand."
The strong southerly change will begin to work up the South Island early on Wednesday and will have reached the far north of the North Island by Thursday. Another deepening low to the east of central New Zealand will generate south or southwesterly winds up to severe gale around many exposed coasts.
Snow is expected as far north as central New Zealand. Heavy snow is expected in parts of Canterbury, including Christchurch, and in Marlborough, where up to 80cm is possible about higher passes. Very strong westerlies from Northland to Taranaki, accompanied by squally showers, may give high wind gusts during Thursday. Large waves are also expected on many beaches.
This very intense and significant winter storm will slowly ease by the weekend, leaving cold frosty nights in its wake, the MetService warns.
Civil Defence has issued a snow storm advisory, saying that potential loss of heat, power and telephone service are primary concerns plus a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. People living in areas at risk from snowstorms should consider the need for alternative forms of heating and power generation.
Other warnings in areas of potential heavy snow include:
• Avoid leaving home unless absolutely necessary when a snow warning is issued.
• If you have to travel make sure you are well prepared with snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing and essential emergency items.
• At home, check fuel supplies for woodburners, gas heaters, barbeques and generators.
• Bring pets inside. Move domestic animals and stock to shelter.
• If you are caught in your car or truck in a snowstorm, stay in your vehicle. Run the engine every 10 minutes to keep warm. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Open the window a little to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make yourself visible to rescuers by tying a bright-coloured cloth to your radio aerial or door and keeping the inside light on.
