Statement from Horizons Regional Council regarding preparation for Cyclone Gita.

Horizons Regional Council emergency management staff will be monitoring Cyclone Gita over the next 24 hours as it passes across the country. At this stage the south of the region is likely to feel the effects of Gita the most, with Metservice issuing a severe weather watch for the Horowhenua District and forecasting periods of heavy rain and strong winds this evening and tomorrow evening.

Metservice has also issued a severe weather warning for gale north to northwest winds gusting 140 km/h in exposed parts of Whanganui and Taihape for tomorrow afternoon and evening. Approximately 50ml of rain is forecasted for the Tararua Ranges and strong winds of 120-140km/h may be experienced in other parts of the region as well. A wave warning has also been issued for the coastline from Waitotara to Ōtaki for Tuesday evening, with waves expected to rise to 6 metres.

The public are asked to stay away from beaches over the next 48 hours until the storm has passed, tie down any loose items such as trampolines and wheelie bins, and drive to the conditions.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation overnight and have plans in place should circumstances change. Updates will be provided via the Manawatu Wanganui Civil Defence Facebook and Twitter (@MW_CivilDefence) accounts.

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