Bay of Plenty prepared for Cyclone Lusi

13 March 2014, 1300hrs

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is preparing to manage any incidents once Cyclone Lusi hits the region this weekend.

Regional Manager Clinton Naude said Civil Defence staff across the region are ready to respond and are tracking the path of the cyclone closely. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for severe weather this weekend.

Heavy rain is expected for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne, with gale force winds for most areas of the North Island. Large coastal waves and storm surge are expected for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty.

“People need to keep up to date with official weather warnings and forecasts. There could well be flooding, slips, road closures, power failures and phone outages,” he said.

“People are encouraged to take steps now to prepare, such as check gutters and drains are cleared, secure items such as plastic garden furniture, rubbish bins and the children’s tramp and remember the family pets.”

People can get up to date information by visiting the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. Follow us on Twitter @BOPCivilDefence Detailed advice about what to do before, during and after storms is at www.getthru.govt.nz

ENDS

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