Whakatāne District Council is warning residents that the most concerning period of Cyclone Vaianu is expected this afternoon (Sunday 12 April). Gale force winds of up to 150 kilometres per hour, extremely strong storm surges and potentially 12-metre-high waves are forecast to coincide with high tide at 2.20pm today.
This combination represents the highest risk phase of the cyclone, with conditions expected to be serious, unpredictable and potentially life-threatening. While the most severe impacts are anticipated this afternoon, residents need to remain vigilant from now on and be prepared for things to change quickly.
Acting Mayor Julie Jukes says the message for the community remains the same: take this cyclone seriously and put safety first.
“The cyclone path has tracked further east than originally thought, and the Whakatāne District is directly in the firing line,” she says.
“We are asking residents to follow evacuation advice, stay off the roads unless critical, and to keep well away from the coast. This is not a time to take risks.”
All mandatory and strongly recommended evacuation orders remain in place. Anyone who has been instructed to leave must stay away from their property until authorities advise it is safe to return.
Duty Controller Nicholas Woodley says travel across the district should be limited to emergencies only, particularly during the most intense impacts of the cyclone and high tide.
“Conditions are highly likely to change quickly, given the significant wind and wave height that is forecast.”
“We strongly urge people to avoid unnecessary travel and to use inland routes only if they absolutely must move.”
Roading conditions continue to be monitored across the district. At this stage, all roads remain open, but closures may occur if conditions worsen or debris and flooding pose a safety risk.
Residents are also being urged not to go to the coast to watch conditions.
“Storm surges and large waves can be extremely dangerous,” Mr Woodley says.
“We don’t want people putting themselves at risk out of curiosity. There are online viewing platforms available for the Whakatāne bar and Ōhope Beach and we strongly encourage the community to use these, rather than go anywhere near the coast in person.”
People who feel unsafe at any stage are encouraged to self-evacuate inland early and not wait for conditions to deteriorate further. The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall and Rangitihi Marae remain open as evacuation centres for anyone needing a safe place to go.
Acting Mayor Jukes said early action was critical, particularly given the likelihood that emergency services may be limited during the most severe weather.
“The most effective things people can do is act early, listen to advice, and look after themselves and each other.”
Call 111 immediately if there is a threat to life.
Updates will continue to be provided via the Whakatāne District Council website and Facebook page, and through local radio stations 1XX, Sun FM and Tumeke FM.