CYCLONE VAIANU - UPDATE

From Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, all council parks and reserves with lockable gates will be closed to the public – this includes PAPAMOA BEACH RESERVE & THE DOMAIN AT PAPAMOA. Gates, public toilets, and changing facilities within these parks will be locked during this time.

More info from Met Service here - https://www.facebook.com/MetService

More info from BOP Civil Defence here - https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence

Here is an update from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence:

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to impact Tauranga on Sunday, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the potential for coastal inundation.

• This can cause dangerously high sea levels, powerful waves, and rapid coastal flooding. Strong waves and storm surge can flood homes, damage buildings, and destroy roads and services.
• People living near the coast, harbours, estuaries, rivers, and low-lying areas are most at risk. It’s not just big waves, it’s rising ocean water pushing inland and up rivers and streams, flooding homes, roads and communities.
• People should take time now to get ready before Cyclone Vaianu arrives. Act now and not later.
• Be ready to act quickly. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly and without warning, even if it not raining heavily. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwaters – they are dangerous and can be deadly.
• Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag close.
• Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require special assistance.
• Please call our contact centre 24/7 on 07 577 7000 to report weather-related issues (e.g., flooding, fallen trees, slips) with the exact location if possible.