Media Release 13 April 2017

10:30 AM

Residents urged to take extra care as Cyclone Cook approaches

Residents are urged to take extra care over the next few days as Cyclone Cook continues to move towards New Zealand.

Although the cyclone has been officially downgraded to an extra tropical low, the Waikato region is expected to be hit by heavy rain and strong winds from this afternoon.

Civil Defence has established an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ngaruawahia and will be monitoring the situation closely with teams ready to respond to flooding, slips, community welfare and any other issues from the storm.

Waikato District Council is encouraging its residents to take note of the following advice during this period of bad weather:

You should:

· Stay inside. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to travel take extra care due to surface water on roads and debris that may be left on the road due to previous slips.

· Drive with extreme caution if travel is essential. If you are driving at night don’t rely on signage, you may be the first to come across a slip or flooding.

· Bring your pets inside. Move stock to shelter or high ground. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.

· Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry. Civil Defence is advising people to have food and water for seven days, especially those who live in rural areas that are easily cut off.

· Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.

· Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass.

· If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house.

· Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances that could be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.

· Stay out of flood water as there is a risk of wastewater contamination and unknown hazards.

· If people or property are in danger always call 111. Call 0800 492 452 to report damage.

· If you feel your home is at risk please seek alternative accommodation with friends or family. If you can’t, please contact Waikato District Council on 0800 492 452.

There are still roads in our district that are closed following last week’s ex-Cyclone Debbie. Closed roads and partially open roads in our district as at 10.15am, 13 April are:

Roads closed:

Maurice Road, Glen Murray

Churchill Rd between 8km and 11km mark, Pukekawa

Clarke and Denize Road, Pukekawa

Klondyke Road, Te Kohanga

Koheroa Road between Kellyville Road and Glass Road intersections, Mercer

Pioneer Road and Bluff Road, Pokeno

Richardson Road, Waikaretu

Partially open

Allan and Eyre Road, Onewhero

Kellyville Road (closed to heavy vehicle traffic), Mercer

McIntyre Road, Waiterimu

Pororua Road, Waiterimu

River Road, Tuakau

Te Puroa Road, Ngaruawahia

Waikaretu Valley Rd, Waikaretu

Wairamarama-Onewhero Road

Waingaro Road, Glen Massey

Stay informed

• www.metservice.co.nz
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• www.civildefence.govt.nz
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• www.facebook.com/waikatodistrictcouncil
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• www.twitter.com/waikatodistrict
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• www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz
•

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