Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence are monitoring another complex weather system as the end of Labour Weekend looms

Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence has increased resourcing in its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to significant weather affecting much of the region at the end of this Labour Weekend, and into Tuesday.

There are multiple watches and warnings across the region with heavy rain, strong wind, heavy snow, and heavy swell warnings in place.

Central North Island and the Tararua ranges are under a heavy rain warning overnight with thunderstorms possible.
 
Tararua District can expect severe north westerly gales, gusting 120km/h in exposed places from 4pm today.
 
Heavy snow is also forecasted to fall on Desert Road tomorrow afternoon. The region’s west coast could also be impacted with a heavy swell warning on the Kāpiti Coast which could bring larger than normal waves.
 
Group controller Craig Grant says staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the weekend.
 
“This is a complex weather system with multiple watches and warnings across the region, and with the Met Service’s revised forecast, the worst of the weather is likely to come through this evening and overnight.
 
“We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to any local issues.
 
“Residents in Eketahuna have been asked to use their water wisely as the impacts of last weeks heavy rain and power outages affected their water treatment plant.
 
“Although we have a number of heavy rain warnings, the amount of rain forecasted is unlikely to impact rivers. However, localised flooding is possible in smaller catchments and on roads.
 
“Thunderstorms are also possible in the central North island, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.”
 
Mr Grant says people should take the time to prepare.
 
“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
 
“Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles.
 
Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Mr Grant says.
 
“We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and you can keep up to date with any key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page.
 
“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”

A list of radio stations to listen to during an emergency event in the Horizons Region can be found here.
 
General preparedness messaging for storms is available here. 

Image: The state of weather watches and warnings across the lower North Island on Monday afternoon.