Be prepared for severe weather in Taranaki this weekend

Metservice has issued an Orange level warning for severe weather in Taranaki from today until Sunday.

This Tropical Cyclone Dovi is expected to bring heavy rain starting today and strong winds starting tomorrow. It’s forecasted for up to 90km/hr winds in South Taranaki.

Current advice from the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management is to be prepared for possible flooding and high winds.

Sue Kelly, Alternate Group Controller advises tying loose objects down and clearing around properties to ensure nothing can blow around and cause damage or injury.

“Residents are advised to only travel if necessary and not to drive through flood waters as there could be debris or the road could have moved underneath. Please stay out of floodwater and rivers and treat all floodwater as contaminated and rivers as dangerous,” Sue says.

“Have a plan in place and be ready to act quickly.”

Call 111 if life is at risk otherwise for assistance call your local council. Taranaki council phone numbers are available on the Taranaki Emergency Management Civil Defence Facebook page.

To find out more about how to prepare for a storm go to the website getready.govt.nz

Call to action for Coastal Taranaki Rural Clean Up
Skilled volunteers are being called to assist in a cleanup of properties damaged in South Taranaki during Waitangi Weekend. The work includes fixing culverts, bridges, and general clean up on about 100 properties around Warea and Opunake on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 February. To register as a volunteer, call the South Taranaki District Council on 0800 111 323 between 8am and 5pm weekdays.