Civil Defence is urging people in the North Island to keep a close watch on weather forecasts during the weekend as Cyclone Pam heads this way, Radio New Zealand reports.
The forecast path of Cyclone Pam from MetService. The cyclone's track is shown in red and the surrounding grey area gives an idea of is possible spread. Photo: Metservice
Authorities in Vanuatu are preparing for the worst, as Tropical Cyclone Pam, upgraded to a maximum-strength category 5 storm, works its way towards the country.
The cyclone is moving south-south-west at 15 kilometres an hour carrying winds of up to 220 kilometres an hour at its centre. It looks set to be Vanuatu's most devastating cyclone since 1987.
MetService says the cyclone is expected to weaken by the time it reaches New Zealand but will still bring severe gales, heavy rain and large sea swells anywhere from Auckland to Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
The director of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Sarah Stuart-Black, is urging people to listen to weather forecasts carefully during the weekend, and keep an eye on council websites for the latest information.
“Closer to the time it's clear that there are going to be high winds or driving rain, then we would recommend not travelling unless absolutely necessary, not walking around outside, she said.”
A UNICEF spokesperson in Vanuatu said the centre of the capital, Port Vila, was empty as people took shelter.
Alice Clements told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme the wind intensified overnight and people were taking shelter in churches and schools.
“The town centre is deserted, everything's boarded up, everyone really from about yesterday lunchtime onwards has pretty much gone home to prepare and get themselves as ready as they can.”