Tips for Rotorua ahead of possible hit by Cyclone Hola

Residents are being urged to be prepared in case Cyclone Hola brings strong winds and heavy rain. Photo/File

Securing loose items outside and caution when driving are a couple of tips from emergency services as Rotorua prepares for the possibility of severe weather early this week.

Residents are being urged to prepare in the event Cyclone Hola brings strong winds and heavy rain to the city.

It would be the third cyclone this season to affect New Zealand.

Niwa principal scientist of forecasting Chris Brandolino said there was an increasingly high chance of Tropical Cyclone Hola impacting the North Island, and it would probably be on Monday through into Tuesday morning.

He said it was too early to tell exactly what kind of impacts would occur and it was likely to depend on whether it hit the west or east of the North Island.

If it hit the east heavy rain would be a concern, whereas if it was the west wind would be the greater impact, he said.

"One thing we are pretty confident about is it is likely to be a sharp but short event."

Yesterdayit had gone down to a Category 3.

Fire and Emergency Central Lakes area manager Jeff Maunder said Tropical Cyclone Hola was expected to downgrade to category 1 or ex-cyclone before impacting New Zealand.

Therefore, the fire department was not increasing the number of staff on duty or doing other planning, other than keeping an eye on it.

He said tips for people leading up to bad weather was to not have loose items lying outside that could be blown around or damaged.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Brendon Keenan said police typically did not put extra staff on when there were cyclone warnings, as it just fit under the umbrella of the police's job.

However, road policing can be affected, with the likes of trees down and flooding.

He encouraged people to watch their following distance, road flooding and driving conditions on the road.

Rotorua Lakes Council primary Civil Defence emergency management controller Stavros Michael said the council continuously monitored developing weather patterns.

"Like any severe weather event which may possibly descend on Rotorua, we encourage residents to prepare just in case and remind them to avoid non-essential driving and ensure drains and spouting around your home are clear."

He said the warning was also a chance for residents to check their emergency supplies and resources in case there was a power outage.

Reports of flooding, slips or fallen trees can be reported to the council by calling (07) 348 4199.

Michael said when severe weather was expected for the district, staff remained on standby and activated preparedness measures including monitoring inflows to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and notifying contractors about the approaching weather.