MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning (orange) and a Strong Rain Warning (orange) for Canterbury including parts of Waimakariri.
MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning - Orange for 15 hours from 8am - 11pm Monday 20 October for the Canterbury High Country and also Canterbury Plains near the foothills.
Expect severe gale northwesterlies gusting 130 km/h in exposed places. Note, another period of severe gales possible on Tuesday. There is minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.
MetService has also issued a Strong Wind Watch for Christchurch and Canterbury Plains for 10 hours from 7am - 5pm Tuesday 21 October. Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Strong Rain Warning - Orange
MetService has also issued a Strong Rain Warning - Orange for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers for 22 hours 10am Monday 20 October - 8am Tuesday, 21 October.
Expect 200 to 250 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 150 mm within 30 km farther east. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h about the divide. Snow level about 2400 metres. Note, this rainfall may lead to significant river levels well east of the divide. Rain is easing from the south Tuesday morning. There is a low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
What to do:
- Take extra care while driving.
- Secure outdoor items and check your property for anything that could become airborne e.g. trampolines, outdoor furniture, rubbish bins.
- Stay informed via radio, local council Facebook pages, and the CDEM Canterbury website.
- Check any outdoor fire sites from the last two weeks. If you find any heat, smoke, or embers, pour water over the area until it is cold to the touch. Do not light any outdoor fires.
- Do not carry out activities that could cause sparks or ignition outdoors, e.g. using gas cookers.
If you find yourself without power, or need to report damage to power lines Call MainPower.
You can see the extent of current outages on this map.
If the power goes out, eat the food from your fridge first, then your freezer. Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
- Canterbury Emergency Management will be working with other agencies to monitor the situation closely.
- Updates will be shared across media channels including radio, in case of power outages.
- If you, your family, or your property are at risk at any time, call 111 immediately.