Forecaster: heed alerts for Bay of Plenty during Cyclone Cook

Up to 250mm of rain is expected in the Bay during Cyclone Cook. Photo/George Novak

MetService was warning people to take heed of weather warnings saying conditions could be similar to those experienced during Cyclone Giselle, which contributed to the Wahine disaster in 1968.

The Bay of Plenty was being warned to prepare for up to 250mm of rain, damaging gales, enormous storm surges and widespread flooding as Cyclone Cook swooped over the region.

Meteorologist Andy Best said he was worried people were not heeding warnings.

He had worked as a forecaster at MetService for about 20 years and had never seen an event like this one.

The last weather event to have similar conditions was Cyclone Giselle, which hit New Zealand in 1968 and contributed to the sinking of the Lyttelton-Wellington ferry Wahine on April 10, New Zealand's worst modern maritime disaster, claiming more than 50 lives.

Meteorologist Angus Hines said the brunt of the storm would hit the Bay early tonight.

As Cyclone Cook passed over it was expected to bring damaging 150km/h gales strong enough to lift roofs and 5-metre swells that threaten inundation and erosion along the coast.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence group controller Clinton Naude said people should be aware that this was a very significant event.

"MetService have said widespread flooding, slips and wind damage are likely. Powerlines may be impacted and roofs lifted. Driving conditions are likely to be hazardous, so people will need to take extra care on the roads, and even consider altering their Thursday and Easter Friday travel plans," he said.

"If there is a need for further evacuations, warnings will be issued as soon as possible. For those who have returned to Edgecumbe, these residents will be alerted by fire sirens and vehicle mounted sirens."

Schools across the Western of Plenty were closed today including Oropi School, Kaimai School, Greerton Village School, Tauranga Primary, Welcome Bay School, Selwyn Ridge School, Te Puna School, all schools in Katikati, Waihi and Te Puke.

The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter would be in Whakatane for the duration of Cyclone Cook to assist with any emergencies while Powerco had field crews on high alert.

Powerco network operations manager Phil Marsh said homeowners should store or tie down backyard gear to limit the chance of flying debris striking power lines.

Tauranga City Council said there would no kerbside collection today. Due to high winds it would be postponed to Sunday.

Resource Recovery and Waste manager Rebecca Maiden they were concerned that bins and bags could pose a hazard to the public if wind gusts reach 150km/h as predicted.
Moturiki Is (Leisure Is) and all of the Mauao base track are closed due to large ocean swells. Parks and recreation manager Mark Smith said there was a real possibility of people being swept away.

The section of Grenada St in Papamoa, between Sandhurst Dr and Hibiscus Rd was closed as a precaution. It was likely to remain closed today and would be reviewed tomorrow.

What you need to know:

- NZ Transport Agency is reminding all road users to take extra care and always drive to the conditions. You can find out latest highway info at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic or www.facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP for specific BOP updates.
- Check with your local city or district council for locally specific information and assistance including local road closures. They are placing regular updates on their website and Facebook pages.
- If authorities tell you to evacuate immediately, take your Getaway Kit and go, and don't return until authorities advise it is safe. Keep listening to local radio for updates.
- Call 111 if you require emergency assistance.
- Move stock to higher ground immediately.
- People should sign up for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence text alerts. See how at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz. You can also follow www.facebook.com/bopcivildefence for updates.
-In an emergency, the radio is your main source of information.