Hawke's Bay braces for severe weather as Cyclone Hale nears
Hawke’s Bay is bracing for Cyclone Hale, with a heavy rain warning in place and officials urging caution.
MetService is forecasting up to 150mm of rain in the region between 3am tomorrow and 8am on Wednesday, as the ex-tropical cyclone lashes the country.
Meteorologist Peter Little says Cyclone Hale is currently located southeast of New Caledonia and is forecast to continue tracking southeastwards before curving toward the North Island tomorrow.
Cyclone Hale will likely pass southwards over the central or eastern North Island on Wednesday, before moving away from the country,” Little says.
“The most likely regions to be impacted by heavy rain are Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, while much of the North Island will experience a period of gale or severe gale winds from the southeast and/or southwest.”
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Ian Macdonald says people need to keep up to date with the latest weather forecast as the system is changing as it makes its way towards New Zealand.
“Making sure drains around houses are cleared, gutterings, and also anything that can be impacted by wind is tied down because there’s going to be quite a bit of wind with this system,” Macdonald says.
Due to the wet conditions across Hawke’s Bay seen in recent months, Macdonald says there is a greater chance of trees falling and erosion around parts of the region.
“Wairoa gets a lot of this sort of weather and really it's about putting in place what they normally do when they get this sort of rain,” Macdonald says.
A heavy rain warning is in place for Hawke's Bay as Cyclone Hale nears. Pictured is the wet weather in Pōrangahau today (Monday). Photo/Michaela Gower.
Wairoa District Council, which was severely impacted by storm damage last year, urged residents to secure items which could be blown around in high winds.
“Residents are urged to be aware and ensure they have an emergency plan and whānau are prepared.
“Turn trampolines upside down. Remove debris or loose items from around your property, and clear drains and gutters.
“Bring your pets indoors, ensure livestock are gathered in a safe place and secure boats or boat trailers.”
While Napier residents should remain vigilant, flooding seen in previous years is not expected with this system.
“The intensities that they are talking about are nothing like the intensity like we saw from the floods back in November 2020,” Macdonald says.
“At this stage, we’re not expecting a huge impact in terms of needing to do evacuations or anything like that,” says Macdonald.
Napier City Council has urged residents to prepare, and have been out completing routine checks, cleaning grates, screens and sumps, and clearing pumps and outfalls around the city ahead of the rain.
Residents can check their drains and gutters, ensure they have enough supplies, make a plan and avoid unnecessary travel during this time.
“If you notice a culvert that is blocked please contact our customer services team on 06 835 7579,” a spokesperson says.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay president Henry van Tuel says there are going to be strong surge conditions from Tuesday evening until Thursday morning.
With the swell expected to rise from 2 metres to 4 metres, people are being warned to stay off the beaches.
