Make a plan as Cody heads towards New Zealand

Cyclone Cody is expected to bring high seas, heavy rain and winds from late Sunday as it approaches the eastern North Island.

“Metservice say Cyclone Cody is now tracking further east but there is still some uncertainty about the track and which areas will be most impacted. What we do know is it has the potential to pack a punch and cause disruption. So now is the perfect time to plan ahead,” says Ōpōtiki Controller, Gerard McCormack.

“Think about how Cyclone Cody might impact you and your household, and plan accordingly. This means preparing for the possibility of power cuts, water outages and road closures that could leave you or your household out of touch until things are restored or repaired. If you don’t have a household emergency plan, now’s the time to sit down with your family and get it done.”

“The high seas are likely to arrive before the wind and rain, so take extra care around coastal areas from today. We are expecting unusual waves and surges, rips and currents regardless of the path Cyclone Cody takes. Metservice are currently saying to expect 4m swells for Bay of Plenty.” Mr McCormack

Mr McCormack says Council is prepared to respond if required and in the meanwhile he suggests staying up to date with the latest information from Metservice as they are updating their models regularly.

Before a storm arrives, you can:

• Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts
• Work out what supplies you might need and make a plan
• Prepare your property for high winds - tie down your trampoline and other heavy outdoor objects. Remove anything that could fly and cause a danger or damage.

As a storm approaches:

• Secure, or move inside, anything that could cause damage in strong winds
• Close windows and doors, close curtains to prevent injury from breaking windows
• Stay inside and bring your pets inside. If you have to leave, take them with you
• Listen to the radio and follow the instructions of emergency services
• Avoid non-essential travel during severe weather, and never drive through floodwaters
• For the latest weather information, visit www.metservice.com
• In an emergency, always call 111.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a storm or flood – and to make a household emergency plan – visit www.happens.nz