A severe weather event is weather that has the potential to seriously impact your property or business or your friends/family and whānau. Weather events could include major storms, heavy rain, snowfall, thunder, lightning, tornadoes, cyclones and rough seas.
If you have experienced surface flooding of a road, slips over the road or downed trees, contact our service centre on 07 306 0500(24 hours) to arrange assistance to clear this. If there is immediate danger or serious threat to life, call 111.
Severe weather watches and warnings are issued by MetService.
You can also find out more about major weather events by visiting Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.
In the event of an emergency, you may receive an Emergency Mobile Alert. Emergency Mobile Alert is a way of receiving information about emergencies in your area. Emergency Mobile Alerts can be sent to your mobile if your life, health or property is in danger. You don't have to sign up or download an app.
Preparing ahead for a severe weather event
The Whakatāne district is prone to heavy rainfall and strong winds, making it vulnerable to emergencies. To be prepared, it's important to create a household emergency plan in advance with your family/whanau/flatmates, including evacuation plans.
You can visit Get Ready for guidance on how to prepare, including recommended supplies, having a grab bag ready, and ensuring your property is secure. This includes securing large objects like trampolines and outdoor furniture.
Reviewing your insurance regularly and ensuring you have a plan for your pets is also a good idea.
What to do during a severe weather event
It's important to keep up to date with the latest developments. During a severe weather event in the Whakatāne district, listen to 1XX, visit the Whakatāne District Council website and Facebook page or the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM)Group. These sources will be able to notify you of any evacuation plans and evacuation centres you can go to for assistance.
If the situation poses an immediate serious threat to people's lives or safety, please dial 111.
When severe weather is forecast, staying inside and away from beaches and potential flood zones is important. Do not drive unless necessary.
For electrical and telecommunications disruption updates, you will need to get in touch with your supplier.
Keep up to date with the latest information by listening to the radio or the following websites and social media pages
- Tune in to Radio 1XX - 90.5FM Whakatāne | 1242AM Whakatāne | 92.9FM Ōhope Beach | Listen Online
- Emergency Management Bay of Plenty Website | Check the Emergency Management Bay of Plenty Facebook page »
- Our website will have updates during an emergency and we post updates on our Facebook page »
You can also get useful emergency information through the following links:
- MetService website and Facebook for weather outlooks, watches and warnings
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website and Facebook for traffic and travel information
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council Live Monitoring for rivers, lakes, tidal, rainfall, meteorological and air quality throughout the Bay of Plenty
- GeoNet for geological hazard information
- For electrical and telecommunications disruption updates, you will need to get in touch with your supplier.
What to do after a severe weather event
- Continue to keep up to date with the latest information.
- Check for injuries and help others if you can, especially people who require special assistance.
- Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
- Contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged or if you need advice on how to clean up debris safely.
- If your property or contents are damaged take notes and photographs and contact your insurance company. Inform your landlord if there is damage to the rental property.