New Zealand is bracing for severe weather as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu approaches, with forecasters warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions across large parts of the country.
According to MetService, the cyclone is expected to reach the northeast coast around midday on Sunday, moving down from Fiji. While there is a possibility the system may weaken before landfall, officials say its impact will remain significant.
Speaking to Stuff, MetService meteorologist Heather Keats stressed that a downgrade would not reduce the severity of the event. “Whether it is a tropical cyclone or an ex-tropical cyclone, we are in for a highly impactful event,” she said, Stuff has quoted.
According to a report by Poppy Clark of Stuff, forecast models indicate the storm is unlikely to miss New Zealand and will bring widespread disruption. “It is expected to move down Northland and the Coromandel late Saturday night, early Sunday morning. From there it is going to track over the North Island and travel down to the east of Wellington and down the east coast of the South Island. “Vaianu is going to be very quick,” she said. “We are looking at a much shorter duration for the worst of the weather, but still incredibly impactful and high intensity.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the approaching cyclone as “damaging and significant” as authorities continue to monitor the category two system.
MetService meteorologist John Law said the storm’s centre is currently expected to track between Auckland and the Coromandel, but warned its effects would be widespread. “but the impact of that will be way beyond this,” Stuff has quoted.
In an unusual move, MetService has placed the entire North Island under a preliminary wind watch well in advance, highlighting the scale of the threat. Law noted, “This is pretty exceptional — we usually put out weather watches one to three days out, so it’s significant,” Law said. “It’s a very unusual situation, with a watch that far out and that covers the entirety of the North Island.”
Heavy rain and strong wind watches have already been issued for multiple regions, with several areas facing a moderate to high likelihood of escalation to full warnings. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of red warnings as the situation develops.
Law confirmed the system remains on course. “Still very much, unfortunately, on track,” Stuff has reported.
Emergency services are ramping up preparations ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre in Alert Mode ‘Orange’, with teams preparing to respond.
General Manager Adam Maggs urged residents to take precautions immediately. “This cyclone system poses a significant risk to Aotearoa New Zealand, including the Auckland region. It is essential that we all prepare now, preparation and making a plan saves lives,“ as quoted by Stuff.
According to Stuff, he also advised residents to secure their homes and surroundings. “Check drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked and clear tree branches, leaves and debris. “These can cause flooding issues during heavy rain. Put away or tie down any loose outdoor furniture and trampolines in case of high winds.”
Prime Minister Luxon echoed the call for preparedness, urging communities to act quickly. “[This is] a great opportunity to remind New Zealanders to do everything they can to stock up, get their supplies in order, get items that may be loose in their backyards tied down and secure in storage,” he said, Stuff has quoted.
He added that government agencies are on high alert and ready to respond if needed. “It is important that we use the time that we have got to make sure that people are prepared as much as possible at their homes and households,” he said, as quoted by Stuff.
With the cyclone expected to move rapidly but intensely across the country, authorities are continuing to monitor developments closely and urging residents to stay informed and prepared.