18 Feb 2018

With the tail of Cyclone Gita likely to hit New Zealand this week, Christchurch City Council is urging people to spend some time today getting prepared for bad weather.

Cyclone Gita has caused havoc in the Pacific Islands and although it has been losing intensity as it moves towards New Zealand, the MetService says it could result in extremely high winds and significant rainfall.

Latest modelling suggests Christchurch and Banks Peninsula could get significant rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. The most prone areas would be Banks Peninsula and the inland foothills where rainfall could exceed 100 mm.

In Christchurch City between 50 and 75mm of rain could fall. The impacts of the heavy rain could be compounded by low air pressure and strong winds, which could result in higher than usual tides.

“The MetService expects to have a better idea on Monday of where and when the tail end of the cyclone might hit, but in the meantime it would be a good idea to use the fine weather today to check your gutters and drains and make sure they’re not clogged with leaves or rubbish,’’ says Christchurch City Council spokeswoman Mary Richardson.

“If you live in a flood-prone area, please take all the usual precautions.

“If you have large outdoor items or garden furniture that might get blown around in high winds, think about how you can secure them or move them inside.

“Although we don’t know whether Cyclone Gita will impact us, now would also be a good time to check your emergency kit and make sure you have a supply of food and water and other provisions that you might need in an emergency situation,’’ Ms Richardson says.

“The Council’s contractors are going around the city today checking the stormwater network and we are closely monitoring forecasts so that we can be prepared as possible should Cyclone Gita come our way.’’

Further information will be provided on Newsline as the situation becomes clearer.