Taranaki’s position on the western coast of New Zealand frequently exposes the region to weather systems migrating over the Tasman Sea. It is one of the windiest regions in New Zealand.
Storms can bring strong winds, thunder and lightning, rough seas, and even tornadoes.
Get ready for storms and cyclones
- Have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
- Work out what supplies you might need during a storms and make a plan.
- Identify a safe place in your home to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors. This could break in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trampolines.
- Clear gutters and drains if you have time.
- Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.
- Make sure you have your grab bags ready to go.
- Bring pets inside.
- Stay indoors, avoid driving.
- Close windows and curtains.
- Stay informed by listening to your local radio station and following MetService and Taranaki Emergency Management Facebook.
- Listen to the radio and follow official advice from Emergency Management and emergency services online.
- Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary.
- Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.
- Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
- Tornadoes happen occasionally in Taranaki, so it’s important to know what to do.
- Warning signs include a long, continuous roar or rumble or a fast-approaching cloud of debris which can sometimes be funnel shaped.
- If you see or hear a tornado, take shelter immediately. If you are inside, move to an internal room or one with the least number of windows and take shelter under something sturdy.
- If you are outside or in a car, try and get indoors as quickly as possible. If you can’t, then lie down flat in a ditch or a low spot and protect your head and neck. Do not try and outrun a tornado.
Stay Informed
Check out Metservice or download the Metservice app to stay updated with weather conditions and warnings for the region.