Cyclone Lusi headed for New Zealand

Cyclone: 'Mean and ugly' storm warning

An already saturated Christchurch is putting emergency precautions in place ahead of this weekend's storm, as the strength of Tropical Cyclone Lusi is upgraded.

NZ Herald,

13 March, 201

What remains of the severe cyclone is expected to reach northern New Zealand early in the weekend, bringing heavy rain and potentially damaging winds, before it moves south.

Christchurch City Council, Civil Defence and key agencies have been working to prepare for the storm, Mayor Lianne Dalziel said.

The city's stormwater and drainage systems have already been checked, and emergency responses are being put in place.

Tropical Cyclone Lusi is heading towards New Zealand, as seen in this satellite image. Photo / Japanese Meteorological agency.

"This is a situation where if we prepare for the worst case scenario, we will be ready for what may come. I'd much rather we put too many precautions in place than not enough,'' she said.

Parts of the city suffered severe flooding after heavy rain last week.

Ms Dalziel said councillors and community board members had been briefed by Civil Defence, and would be getting more technical advice about preparations later today.

"We are also calling on communities and individuals to prepare as best they can for the forecast rain.

"We will have more information for people on our preparations and precautions ahead of Sunday. This will help community groups and residents across the city prepare.''

Read more:

• Cyclone Lusi: What you need to know

Christchurch residents needed to be extra wary of the storm conditions, Metservice spokesman Dan Corbett said.

"They'll get into a time of persistent rain over eastern parts of the South Island. We've already had discussions with the council because of all the flooding in the last week or so.''

The Fiji Meteorological Service has now upgraded the cyclone to category 3, with winds between 120 and 160km/h. Lusi is currently southwest of Fiji, and on track to reach here late on Friday or early Saturday.

"It's looking like quite a mean and ugly storm,'' Mr Corbett said.

He said Lusi would move south over the next 24 to 48 hours, starting to weaken as it moves into cooler water.

It will reach Northland, Auckland and Coromandel first, bringing strong to severe gales and heavy rain.

The weather system will then move down the country, with the worst weather in the South Island expected late Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday.

"It's batten down the hatches weather," Mr Corbett said.

Bursts of heavy rain, and severe wind reaching up to 120km/h in parts of Northland and Coromandel, are forecast for Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Mr Corbett said those with outdoor plans this weekend should reconsider.

Waiheke wedding celebrant Irene Armstrong had three outdoor weddings planned on the island this weekend, and all three were moving indoors.

"Everyone always has a back-up plan. We have to because the weather's so unpredictable, even in summer."

Andrew Sains, who is due to run the 42km Te Houtaewa Challenge on 90 Mile Beach, said his plans were likely to be disrupted by the stormy weather.

The Panasonic People's Triathlon Series at Maraetai Beach, which was supposed to take place on Sunday, has also been postponed to March 30.

WeatherWatch head weather analyst Philip Duncan said people who lived along the western slopes of the Kaimai Range in Waikato should get ready to be slammed.

"I think winds in that area, certainly on the mountains of the Kaimais, we'll be seeing 150km/h plus.

"The last cyclone that hit with similar kind of strength was Fergus, back in 1996, and that blew brick walls down."

Mr Duncan said the lower North Island could be exposed to severe winds on Sunday, with gusts up to 120km/h in the Kapiti Coast area possible.

Civil Defence officials and the Coastguard have already issued warnings for the rough weather, reminding people to prepare their emergency survival kit and household emergency plan for adverse weather events.

The Coastguard also advised boaties to seek a temporary berth for vessels in a marina this weekend.

Weekend events changed due to weather:

• The Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Rotorua on Saturday has been shortened from a 22-hour event to an eight-hour event

• Panasonic People's Triathlon at Maraetai Beach on Sunday has been postponed until March 30

• Salty Classic fishing competition 2014 cancelled

Events which could be affected:

• Chiefs vs Stormers, Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, Friday

• Hurricanes vs Cheetahs, Westpac Stadium in Wellington, Saturday

• Vodafone Warriors v St. George Illawarra Dragons at Eden Park, Saturday

• Te Houtaewa challenge, 90 Mile Beach, Saturday

• Bayswater Auto Show and Family Fun Day, Bayswater School, Sunday

• Harbourview Sculpture trail, Te Atatu Peninsula, open until March 30

• Final series in the Swim Rotorua Open Water Swim, Lake Okataina, Sunday

• Rotorua Walking Festival, Saturday and Sunday

• Tarawera Ultramarathon, Saturday

• Rotorua's Pasifika Family Fun Day event

• Womad music festival, Taranaki, Friday - Sunday

• Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta, Thursday - Sunday

• Wairarapa Wine Festival on Saturday

Before a storm:

• Develop a household emergency plan. Assemble and maintain your emergency survival items, as well as a portable getaway kit.

• Prepare your property by securing large heavy objects and any item which could become a deadly or damaging missile.

• Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.

When a warning is issued and during a storm:

• Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations for advice for your community and situation.

• Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit.

• Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about in strong winds.

• Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas.

• If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter inside the house.

• Water supplies can be affected so store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks.

• Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges, and if power is lost, unplug major appliances.

• Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.

After a storm:

• Listen to your local radio stations for the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.

• Check for injuries and help others if you can, especially people who require special assistance.

• Look for and report broken utility lines.

• Contact your local council if your house has been severely damaged.

• If your property or contents are damaged take notes and photographs and contact your insurance company.