Dannevirke: Coast ready for cyclone's worst

Massive waves pound Akitio Beach during a major storm surge in 2008. Photo / Supplied

Cyclone Pam may have been downgraded, but coastal communities in Tararua were prepared for whatever the intense tropical cyclone had to throw at them.

"We warned our beach communities at Herbertville and Akitio to expect south-east winds and high seas," Paddy Driver, the Tararua District Council's district resilience manager said.

"The storm was dissipating as it hit the coast, but normally with high seas we get a lot of debris and a washout or two."

Mr Driver said high seas of 3-4m were normal along the district's coast, but the 6-7m "phenomenal" waves predicted as a result of Pam would cause a few problems.

"Our rural fire teams and the owners of the camping ground at Akitio have been alerted."

Yesterday morning, Mr Driver had not set up the civil defence command centre at the council chambers in Dannevirke, but said it would be if needed.

In Dannevirke yesterday morning there were light winds and rain.

The MetService predicted heavy rain at times today, with strong, southerly gusts.