The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group says it is monitoring and preparing for potential impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fili.
Civil Defence is also warning communities to get ready for the severe weather it may bring to the region.
Group Controller Ian Macdonald said that Hawke's Bay CDEM had already moved to a ‘Monitoring’ mode of operation and will be activating the Group Emergency Coordination Centre in Hastings this morning.
He said residents need to be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds and large waves.
Mr Macdonald said advice from senior MetService meteorologists is that Fili will be a fast moving but significant event.
He said Councils have activated their incident management teams and started preparing their infrastructure and staff for possible impacts.
Residents are being asked to keep up to date with weather forecasts, and to ensure they have enough food, fuel and supplies for at least three days.
Motorists are also asked to drive to the conditions, and if in doubt, to delay travel.
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An ‘Orange’ level Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for Hawke’s Bay.
In the 24 hours from 11pm tonight, 100 to 180mm of rain is expected to accumulate, but 180 to 280mm is likely about the Wairoa District.
Peak rates of 25 to 35mm/h are possible with localised downpours.
Metservice says that further rain is possible after this period, and the warning could be extended.
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Meanwhile there is a Strong Wind Watch in place for Tararua District and Hawke’s Bay for tomorrow.
In the 17-hour period from 4am to 9pm tomorrow south to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed areas.
The weather is the result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Fili, which is approaching New Zealand.
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There were 274 active cases of COVID-19 in Central Hawke’s Bay yesterday.
Case numbers are starting to around the region, with only 284 new cases reported for Hawke’s Bay yesterday, giving a total of 3122 active cases.
19 people were listed as being in Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
Meanwhile another COVID related death was reported yesterday, with 10 the number of deaths recorded in the region.
In Tararua District, there were 477 active cases as at yesterday.
