About Severe Weather
Severe weather is the occurrence of extreme weather conditions that causes significant damage to the built and/or natural environment as well as potential loss of life.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, snowstorms and heatwaves are all weather conditions that fall under the umbrella term of ‘severe weather.’ These events can lead to significant hazard impacts like flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and disruption of services, posing risks to people, property, and the environment.
All severe weather watches and warnings are issued by MetService, the national weather authority for Aotearoa. MetService provides comprehensive weather information services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help protect the safety and well-being of New Zealanders and the NZ economy. As weather systems can quickly change in course and intensity, it’s important to stay informed about the latest forecast. You can do this by visiting MetService online or downloading the MetService NZ Weather App from the App Store or Google Play.
Are you prepared for severe weather?
Know your risk. Many areas in the Bay of Plenty region are susceptible to severe weather events such as flooding, coastal inundation, or wind damage. You can see if you live in a known flood prone area or coastal inundation area by visiting NIWA’s map of flood hazard across Aotearoa.
Prepare your property. Severe weather events usually provide some time for warning and for you to take some preparedness actions. Regularly clear drains, gutters, and downspouts to ensure they work properly during heavy rain. Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up in strong winds.
Prepare your pets and livestock. If you have pets or livestock ensure you have a plan for moving them to a safe place away from floodwaters, landslides, powerlines and isolated trees.
Check road conditions before travelling. Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) provides real-time state highway updates on their website journey planner. Local councils will provide information on the status of local roads via their official channels (website and/or social media).
Heading away from home? Make sure you prep your house for potential severe weather events that may happen while you’re away. Clear your gutters, tie down trampolines or heavy outdoor furniture, and bring any cushions inside, to stop them blowing away or causing damage if there’s a chance of high winds. If you don’t already know your neighbours, go and introduce yourself, and let them know your plans, so they can keep an eye on your house while you’re away.
Keep indoors. Protect yourself from wind, rain, hail, or lightning by staying inside, and closing all windows and doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass.
GTFO (Get the Flood Out). If you see rising floodwater, act quickly and move to higher ground. Never try to walk, swim, drive through or play in floodwater. Treat all floodwater as contaminated as it may contain sewage and other hazardous materials.
If there is lightning: avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use water from your emergency supplies.
Unplug appliances if there is a power outage. This will reduce power surges and possible damage once power is restored.
Avoid travelling. If you must travel, drive to the conditions as roads may be slippery or damaged.
Keep alert for other hazards. After a severe weather event, particularly one involving heavy rainfall, fallen trees and slips can occur at any time. If you encounter a slip or fallen trees blocking a local road, report it to your local council. If the road is a state highway, contact Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, call 111.
If you encounter broken or downed power lines in your local area, treat them as live and notify emergency services and your local lines company. Act with caution and be careful of electrical hazards, particularly around flooded areas.
Act with extreme caution around floodwaters. Floodwaters are dangerous, and may contain debris, and other hazardous material. Treat all floodwater as contaminated. Never walk, drive, or play in floodwater. Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand or Emergency Management may implement boil water notices or other instructions. Stay informed and follow the official advice.
Wait for the all-clear if you have evacuated. Do not return to your property until officials have given the all-clear to say it’s safe.
Clean up safely. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoid contact with floodwater if you can. If you are unsure on what to do, ask your local council for advice on how to clean up safely.
