Police will soon begin door-knocking in low-lying areas identified as highest risk, particularly where this morning’s 2am hightide marks indicated a greater potential for coastal or surface flooding. This is to ensure people are aware of the conditions and have the information they need to stay safe.
Businesses in low-lying areas are strongly encouraged to consider closing, or if they choose to remain open, they should have a plan in case staff and customers need to stay and shelter in place.
Police will be door-knocking residents and businesses in these high risk, low-lying areas:
- Fraser Cove (Fraser Street outside Fraser Cove will close from 12pm – 5pm today due to potential inundation)
- Burrows Street
- Seventh Avenue alongside Memorial Park
- Properties on the harbours edge between First Avenue and Fifth Avenue
We are also closely monitoring the following areas of concern:
- Trinity Wharf
- Whareroa
- Te Hono Street
- Turret Road
Current conditions and forecast
In the hour before high tide, 45–55mm of rain is forecast, which could increase the risk of surface flooding and coastal impacts. The combined effects of heavy rainfall, coastal surge and high tide mean impacts could escalate rapidly and with little warning.
We are experiencing coastal surges, particularly along exposed coastal areas, and people are asked to stay well away from cliffs, beaches and sand dunes.
Do not go swimming or surfing. Coastal conditions are dangerous, and debris may be present in the water, increasing the risk of injury.
Wave heights of up to 8 metres are expected this afternoon, increasing the risk of coastal inundation and damage.
Emergency Assistance Centre
Mercury Baypark has opened as an Emergency Assistance Centre for those in need to visit today. Here people can have a cup of tea and a safe place to wait while the Cyclone Vaianu passes.
- Mercury Baypark
81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 3152
Friends and whānau
If you are self-evacuating from your property and need a place to stay overnight, please seek refuge with friends or whānau first where possible.
Marae
Several marae have opened to provide shelter, support and a location to stay overnight for those in need.
For a full list of the marae that are open visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent.
Bring your grab bag containing personal items such as medication, a torch, chargers, personal sanitary supplies, and a pillow and blanket if you intend to stay at marae overnight. Please bring your own snacks and some food if possible, particularly if you have allergies or require gluten or dairy free options.
Community Emergency Hubs
These locations are run by the community and no Emergency Management staff are on site.
- The Atrium – open today
252 Otūmoetai Road, Otūmoetai
- The Matua Bowling Club - open from 9am to 4pm today
108 Levers Road, Matua
General information
Please avoid bringing pets to any of these locations. If this isn’t possible, domestic pets are the owner’s responsibility and must stay in vehicles.
Do not go swimming or surfing. Coastal conditions are dangerous, and debris may be present in the water, increasing the risk of injury.
Please contact council on 07 577 7000 to report any damage, flooding or fallen trees, and provide the exact location.
At any point throughout today if you are in immediate danger or life is at risk, call 111.
Where to find official information:
Council weather event hub: www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent
Road closures and slips: NZTA Journey Planner
Emergency information: https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence
Weather updates: www.metservice.com
Power outages: https://outages.powerco.co.nz/