Situation update - 5 pm 16 March

The temporary road closures at Muriwai Drive and West End Road are set to be lifted in the next half hour.

The car park at the very end of Muriwai Drive and the reserve area between the river and the turning bay area adjacent to the Coastguard station will remain closed overnight as a precaution.

Work crews are clearing driftwood debris which has washed into the boat ramp and adjacent car park area. Once clear that vehicle access to that area will also reopen. 

Sea conditions are still extremely rough, but are expected to ease somewhat overnight. Residents are advised to stay away from the beachfront in the meantime, as significant swells still present a safety hazard.

We’ll update the situation in the morning.

Situation update - 2 pm 16 March

Civil Defence and emergency service concerns in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are now focused on the large swells and storm surge created by Cyclone Pam. Swells of 5-metres plus have been seen along the coastline, and with high tide due at 3:30 this afternoon, there is significant potential for wave encroachment in low-lying areas.

Travellers on SH35, east of Ōpōtiki, are urged to take particular care. Wave surges this morning deposited debris on the highway in a number of places, and the likelihood is that there will be further debris issues during the period before and after high tide.

The potential for wave encroachment is also being closely monitored in the Whakatāne District, particularly at the Whakatāne Heads and in the Ōhope area. Road access at the Heads (the north-eastern end of Muriwai Drive) has been temporarily closed to avoid safety hazards to onlookers during the high-tide period this afternoon, and members of the public are advised to stay well clear of the beach front while large swells persist.

Moderate winds and rainfall across the region have now eased further, with only minor issues experienced. Fallen trees had blocked Wainui Road and Matahī Valley Road in the Whakatāne District earlier this afternoon, and Council contractors were clearing both sites. Delays may be experienced while that work is completed.

The MetService has downgraded Cyclone Pam to a category 3 event, but the severe weather warning for the region remains in place. Civil Defence, Fire Service and Police teams and roading contractors remain on standby.

A further update will be issued on Tuesday morning, or earlier if there is any significant change in the weather or sea conditions.

Situation update - 8:30 am 16 March

Wind and rainfall have been moderate throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty overnight, with no significant surface flooding or other storm damage reported. The MetService has downgraded Cyclone Pam to a category 3 event, and the severe weather warning for the region remains in place.

Civil Defence, Fire Service and Police teams and roading contractors remain on standby. Residents are advised that the potential for high winds and heavy sea conditions will continue for the remainder of today and to exercise caution on roads throughout the region, as debris could present a safety hazard.

In the Ōpōtiki District, high seas deposited debris on the highway at various locations along SH35. Contractors are checking SH35 (around East Cape) and SH2 (Waioeka Gorge) for any damage, but there have been no calls for assistance during the night. Schools from Maraenui to East Cape are closed today.

In the Whakatāne District, no storm damage has been reported, and the maximum wind speed recorded at Whakatāne Airport was 30 kph.

Overnight, close to 11 mm of rain was recorded in Whakatāne, and a further 15 mm is forecast in the period through to 2 pm. Wind gusts of up to 70 kph are possible. Heavy sea conditions will continue to be experienced, and people living or travelling through low-lying coastal areas throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty should exercise caution, particularly in the hours either side of the next high tide at 3 pm.

A further update will be issued mid-afternoon, or earlier if there is any significant change in the weather situation.

Situation update - 5 pm 15 March

Weather Situation

• High winds are currently the area of greatest concern. Gusts of up to 160 kph are predicted, from overnight Sunday through Monday, which will cause significant damage if they do occur.
• Very large swells predicted throughout Monday, with waves in excess of 4.8 metres anticipated. Damage to low-lying coastal properties possible, particularly around high tides.
• Highest rainfall intensities are forecast for the ranges of the Eastern Bay of Plenty -  200 mm in the 27 hours from midnight Sunday.
• More moderate rain predicted for coastal areas – 120 mm over 24 hours. 

Likely Impacts and Actions in Place

Trees and power-lines likely to sustain damage. Crews are on standby to clear trees from roads, but will only be deployed to clear an area if there is no risk to people. Some delays likely. People advised to stay off the road if high winds do arrive. For power issues, ring Horizon Energy Distribution on 306 2900. For trees on roads, ring the Whakatāne District Council on 306 0500.

Damage to roofs and homes also likely. Anyone needing emergency assistance advised to ring 111 and ask for the Fire Service.

People in low-lying coastal properties advised to move any equipment which may be caught up by high waves and keep a close eye on the situation and self-evacuate their properties if they are concerned about their safety.

The predicted rain intensities are unlikely to cause significant stream or river flooding issues, but that situation will be closely monitored. Digger crews are on standby to take action where required, with a particular focus on the Wainui Te Whara Stream. Sandbags have also been located at a number of areas where issues may occur.

Crews are on standby to manually operate pump stations in the Whakatāne District and generators are also available to provide power, should the reticulated supply be affected.

All stormwater systems have been checked and cleared.

Õhope residents advised not to put their bins out for collection tonight, because they are likely to be overturned or blown away if the high winds do arrive overnight. Monitor the situation and if it’s unsafe to put your bin out in the morning, don’t. Council will look to organise a collection later in the week.

Emergency Services

• Whakatāne and Opotiki EOCs are on standby and will be activated overnight if necessary.
• Whakatane EOC will be activated before 7.30am Monday and will monitor the situation during the day.
• Local Civil Defence teams are in close contact with the regional controller and National Civil Defence. Additional resources are available if required.
• Emergency accommodation will be available if required. Anyone needing emergency housing should ring the Whakatāne District Council on 306 0500 for advice on the appropriate location, or any other assistance.

The following update to the severe weather warning was issued by Bay of Plenty Emergency Management on the night of 14 March 2015.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence urges residents to ensure they are adequately prepared in response to the severe weather warning metservice has issued for the Bay of Plenty region.

As Tropical Cyclone Pam continues its southwards track, the severe weather warning forecast for Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, especially east of Edgecumbe, includes southeast gales gusting 120km/h likely with possibly gusts in excess of 160km/h, and heavy rain expected of 120mm to 140mm to accumulate, with 180mm to 220mm about the ranges.

Whilst there is still some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the cyclone will track, it has the potential to be a significant event therefore residents are strongly urged to prepare accordingly.

• Secure or move indoors any large heavy objects outside that could blow around in high winds, like outdoor furniture and rubbish bins. Turn trampolines upside down.
• Lift valuable household items and chemicals as high above the floor as possible.
• Farmers should ensure equipment is safely stored and animals are in a safe place or moved to higher ground if necessary, away from power lines and potential landslides.
•  Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas. Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
•  Don't walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
•  Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
•  Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter.

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management’s website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence.

The following severe weather warning was issued by MetService on the morning of 14 March 2015.

SEVERE SOUTHEAST GALES AND HEAVY RAIN FOR NORTHEASTERN PARTS OF THE NORTH ISLAND LATE SUNDAY AND MUCH OF MONDAY

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, currently located near southern Vanuatu, is forecast to track southeastwards over the weekend and pass east of New Zealand during Monday and Tuesday. There remains some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be, however, it will likely be a significant event, with strong southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island late Sunday and Monday, along with extremely large seas about the east coast.

Around 200mm of rain is expected to accumulate in the ranges of Gisborne, northern Hawkes Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty, with lesser but still significant amounts near the coast. Rivers and streams in these areas will rise rapidly and localised surface flooding and slips are likely as well as hazardous driving conditions.

In addition, severe southeast gales are likely about Gisborne and Bay of Plenty for a time Monday, with gusts of 120 km/h in places but 160 km/h or possibly more about the eastern Bay of Plenty. Winds of this strength are likely to cause damage to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs and make for hazardous driving conditions.

This is a developing situation and people are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts as further areas may be added to this Warning.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING
AREA/S AFFECTED

Gisborne, northern Hawkes Bay and the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty

FORECAST

A period of heavy rain is expected from Sunday evening until Monday evening, especially about the ranges. In the 24 hours from 9pm Sunday until 9pm Monday, expect 180 to 220mm about the ranges, with 120 to 140mm near the coast. Peak intensities of 30mm/hr.

STRONG WIND WARNING
AREA/S AFFECTED

Bay of Plenty especially east of Edgecumbe, and Gisborne

FORECAST

Southeasterlies are expected to rise to severe gale for a time during Monday. Between 1am and 7pm Monday expect severe southeast gales, with gusts of 120 km/h likely but 160 km/h or possibly more about the eastern Bay of Plenty.