Chathams brace for hit by Pam

PATH: Sunday's image showing the projected path of Cyclone Pam.

The Chatham Islands declared a state of local emergency yesterday as former Cyclone Pam moved southeast, intensifying slightly.

The islands were warned to expect severe gales, heavy rain and big swells. People in low-lying areas were evacuated to the welfare centre at Kopinga Marae and Chatham Islands Civil Defence was monitoring the situation.

Elsewhere, the ex-tropical cyclone passed Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, causing only minor damage.

Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Chatham Islands were forecast to experience severe weather conditions until tomorrow.

In Gisborne, more than 100 people moved out of their homes at Te Araroa, Waima (Tokomaru Bay) and Anaura Bay as rain, high winds and large swells affected the district.