Cyclone Gita: Nelson residents prepare for the worst

Nelson locals are sandbagging and making sure the emergency supplies are stocked in preparation for Cyclone Gita.

The area has already severe weather twice in the past two weeks, and is still fixing damage from Cyclone Fehi.

Rosie Musturs said the storm surge from Cyclone Fehi swamped their house and garden, bringing water 1m deep through the garage.

Their emergency supplies had been stored in a large bin at the side of the house, but the knocked it over and swept the supplies away.

This time they have put in sandbags, nailed wood over doorways, and stored their emergency supplies up high.

"We've put in sandbags with rubber underneath, we've constructed a defence on the side of the house, and then around the back we've just blocked off absolutely everything," Musturs said.

"We've got family all around, so we'll all be staying on the phones.

"Last time the emergency supplies floated away, but this time we've got it high up inside the house.

"Lots of water, power packs in case the power goes off. So we feel we can handle anything over the next three days."

Sharlane Evans was also sandbagging her home, wary of the flooding that last time put sewage through neighbours' homes.

"It's easier to prevent than fix, especially raw sewage. Raw sewage: I really don't want that in my house.

"Our neighbours have got a garage that's down quite low, so some of these bags are for them, just a precaution.

"I'd rather know that I've done what I can, rather than find out too late that the house is full of water."

Evans said they'd stocked up with bottles of water and tinned food, and the neighbours would be staying in touch with each other when the cyclone was at its worst in the evening.

"Just because of what happened last time, some people on the corner got thrashed.

"We don't have the king tide this time, but there's more rain.

"May as well band together and keep everybody as dry as possible. We may end up playing Pictionary by candlelight later tonight, but that's not all bad."

All flights in and out of Nelson airport have now been cancelled.

Passengers are being warned that no more planes will leave today, and cancellations are also likely tomorrow morning.

Sarah Carr had been going to Auckland after a work trip to Nelson but was now unsure when she'd be able to leave.

"I thought it'd be okay, because the worst of the cyclone is this afternoon.

"But apparently not, so now I'm stuck here trying to find a motel and everything's booked."

Nelson Airport is packed with other passengers looking for accommodation, and Ben Spayce remarked it was "standing room only".

"I guess if the worst happens we could sleep here, but I'd rather not."

Nelson Airport is full of people looking for a place to sleep after all flights were grounded. Photo / Frances Cook