Wednesday 7 July 2010, 8:00am
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING - Situation Update 0800 hrs
Roads
State Highway 2 Napier to Wairoa is closed due to major slips in the Devils Elbow and Waikouau Hill areas and minor slips elsewhere.
The road is expected to remain closed for most of the day and earliest estimates for its re-opening are 1400-1600 hours Wednesday 7 July 2010.
Listen to the radio for more information or before setting out check -
Rivers, rainfall and flooding issues
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council river level monitors have triggered annual alarm levels at 5 sites – Ruakaturi, Wairoa River, Hangaroa (all in the Wairoa district), Mangaone Stream at Rissington (inland from Napier) and the Esk River at Berry Road.
Rainfall in the region over the past few days has been significant in some areas with average figures of:
Hill country in Mahia area 250-300mm
Kotemaori and Waikaremoana 180-210 mm
Wairoa 100mm
Ruahines 100-160mm
Southern Hawke’s Bay 50mm but up to 150mm on coastal hills
MetService have advised that a deep low centred east of Gisborne is moving slowly southwards.
The strong southeast flow over the North Island is expected to turn south to southwest today. Rain has eased this morning over much of Hawke’s Bay. However a weather warning is maintained for the area north of Tutira where rain will still be heavy at times today with a further 40-60mm possible. Further rain is also possible between 1800 hrs Wednesday and 0000 hours Thursday in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Coastal
The weather system means that the following swells may be expected:
South of Cape Kidnappers –4-5 metre south –easterly swell continuing until weekend
Haumoana/ Te Awanga area – 2-3 metre swells until the weekend
Mahia – south facing coasts – potentially 5-6 m swells overnight on Thursday
Tuesday 6 July 2010, 3:00pm
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING - Situation Update 1500 hrs
Roads
State Highway 2 Napier to Wairoa has reopened as debris was cleared to improve drainage from Lake Tutira. However any heavy rainfall periods may boost water levels in Lake Tutira and cover SH2 again.
There is still a likelihood of fresh slips and debris on both State Highway 2 Napier-Wairoa and State Highway 5 Napier- Taupo.
Extreme caution when driving is needed and any unessential trips should be avoided.
Listen to the radio for more information or before setting out check -
Rivers, rainfall and flooding issues
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council river level monitors have triggered annual alarm levels at 4 sites – Ruakaturi, Wairoa River, Hangaroa (all in the Wairoa district) and Mangaone Stream at Rissington (inland from Napier).
MetService have advised that another flux of heavy rain is moving south, and areas south of Napier (coastal and inland) are likely to experience increasingly heavy rainfall overnight.
Rivers are expected to keep rising throughout the region.
The Wairoa River is expected to reach an annual flood level but stay within its channel. However if rainfall intensifies overnight in the catchment, the Wairoa River may flood SH2 near the town.
Coastal
An easterly swell means Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council Civil Defence are monitoring Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton coastal communities because of a history of erosion and waves overtopping residential areas and roads. Easterly swells of 2.5-4m are expected to reduce as the weather system turns to a southerly, but on Thursday 5-7m southerly swells may impact Mahia beaches and beaches south of Cape Kidnappers.
Monday 5 July 2010, 4:30pm
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
A heavy rain warning for Hawke’s Bay from Tuesday and Wednesday means that flooding and slips are likely, advises Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
The region’s soils are already wet, so rivers are expected to rise quickly.
Regional Council staff will be on duty monitoring rainfall and river levels.
The heaviest rainfall is predicted for inland Wairoa, Tutira and the Napier-Taupo highway. Over the next two days, heavy rain of 200-300mm is expected in the ranges and 100-150 mm in coastal areas north of Napier. South of Napier rainfall of 140-180mm in the hills and 60-90mm along the coast are expected.
Rainfall is expected to become heavy during Monday night, and during Tuesday and Wednesday rainfall intensity of 20mm per hour is possible.
It is possible that flood waters may come across roads, and drivers need to take care and check for road closures before setting out. Areas that may be affected are SH2 near Wairoa and SH38 into Waikaremoana around Wairoa-Ardkeen.
Regional Council staff will closely monitor rivers and rainfall in Wairoa especially, and liaise with the District Council which relies on monitoring to alert them of flood risks on the plains near the township.
Farmers who lease grazing areas alongside all the main rivers are being advised that they should move stock.
Heavy swells are also likely to impact on coastal areas. While there are neap tides at the moment, there is a storm surge of approx 200mm which means heavy swells at high tide are likely to cause damage especially Haumoana - Clifton. Swell predictions are for approx 4m easterly swells at Haumoana, but turning SE as the event passes, with 5 – 7 m swells impacting the southern Hawke’s Bay beaches.
Wednesday 16 June 2010, 10:29am
SURPRISE SIREN IS RAVENSDOWN FERTILISER TEST
Napier Police, Fire and Civil Defence were inundated with calls from concerned public this morning after a siren sounded at approximately 9am.
Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade, says the siren is not a Civil Defence siren.
“After a bit of investigation we discovered that Ravensdown Fertiliser was testing their emergency sirens,” Angela says. “Unfortunately emergency services were unaware of this test.”
Angela says she was impressed with the public’s vigilance as it shows that people are taking sirens seriously.
Sunday 28 February 2010, 12 noon
HAWKE'S BAY TSUNAMI, Update # 6
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group advises that the civil defence alert is stepping down to a monitoring position.
However they say that the unusual wave pattern caused by the tsunami from Chile is likely to continue for several hours, and the size of the waves and surges may vary. Surge waves are being seen at Ahuriri Harbour and changes in water levels in Pandora Point, which are expected to continue for the rest of the day.
Along the coast and in rivers close to the coast, people can expect surges and higher tides than normal. Boaties should be cautious as strong currents are still a high risk for the next 10-12 hours. Boat ramps will no longer be monitored by CDEM staff or Police so boaties need to take usual precautions.
Advice to people in Hawke’s Bay is to keep away from the coast, local beaches and estuaries for the rest of the day. Coastal residents who self evacuated may return home, but should stay away from the beach and keep listening to the radio for any further warnings.
Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile and then created a tsunami, the first waves reached Hawke’s Bay shores after 9:00am on Sunday 28 February, creating a noticeable impact on the shoreline. Waves of between 30 centimetres and up to 1 metre are to be expected for the rest of the day, with unpredictable lapses of time between surge waves. Strong currents and unusual tidal effects will likely continue for the next 10-12 hours.
Civil Defence officials stress that people in coastal areas should:
- Stay away from beaches for the rest of the day
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities
- Be aware that boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore. Unpredictable waves and currents will continue for up to 12 hours and boaties need to take care launching and coming in.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group, with MCDEM and scientific advisors, will continue monitoring the situation and working with local communities for the most appropriate response.
Sunday 28 February 2010, 9.45am
HAWKE'S BAY TSUNAMI, Update # 5
Advice to people in Hawke’s Bay from the Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group is to keep away from the coast, local beaches and estuaries for the rest of the day, and for coastal residents to self evacuate if they are at all concerned about the risk of tsunami waves.
Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile and then created a tsunami, the first waves reached Hawke’s Bay shores after 9:00am on Sunday 28 February, creating a noticeable impact on the shoreline. Waves of between 30 centimetres and up to 1 metre are to be expected for the rest of the day, with unpredictable lapses of time between surge waves. Strong currents and unusual tidal effects will likely continue for the next 10-12 hours.
Civil Defence officials stress that people in coastal areas should:
- Stay away from beaches for the rest of the day
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities
- Be aware that boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group, with MCDEM and scientific advisors, are closely monitoring the situation and working with local communities for the most appropriate response.
Sunday 28 February 2010, 8.45am
HAWKE'S BAY TSUNAMI, Update # 4
Following the 8.8 magnitude Chilean tsunami, the advice remains the same but essentially that Hawke’s Bay people should stay away from beaches and estuaries for the rest of the day.
A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, which includes Hawke's Bay;
The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 8:53am (at Gisborne approx 8:29am); high tide at Napier is at 5:32am and low tide at 11:51am;
Wave heights of between 30 centimetres and up to 1 metre are expected, with varying lengths of time between the waves;
The first wave may not be the largest; strong currents and unusual tidal effects will likely continue for the rest of the day.
Civil Defence officials stress that people in coastal areas should:
- Stay away from beaches for the rest of the day
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities
- Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore.
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends Listen to the radio or TV for updates
- Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.
Sunday 28 February 2010, 6.45am
HAWKE'S BAY TSUNAMI, Update # 3
Following the 8.8 magnitude Chilean tsunami, the advice remains the same but essentially that Hawke’s Bay people should stay away from beaches and estuaries.
A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.
The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 8:23am (at Gisborne approx 7:59am); high tide at Napier is at 5:32am and low tide at 11:51am.
Wave heights of up to 1 metre are expected. The first wave may not be the largest; strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.
Sunday 28 Februray 2010, 5.10am
HAWKE'S BAY TSUNAMI, Update # 2
The advice at this stage remains largely the same:
A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.
The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 0823 NZDT (at Gisborne approx 0759 NZDT). High Tide at Napier is at 0532 NZDT 1.8m and Low Tide 1151 NZDT 0.1m.
Wave heights of up to 1 metre are expected. The first wave may not be the largest, and strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.
The greatest threat is to large boats at moorings whose owners should move their vessels out to sea by 7am. Small boat owners should not take their boats out.
People in coastal areas should:
- Stay away from beaches;
- Stay away from coastal water, including boat ramps and boating activities, tidal estuaries, lower areas of rivers and streams for at least 24 hours after estimated tsunami arrival time, as even small waves create dangerous currents;
- Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 20 metres than if they are close to the shore;
- Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas;
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends;
- Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates;
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.
Sunday 28 February 2010, 3:15am
TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWKE'S BAY # 1
A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.
Following an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 near the coast of Central Chile, wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres are expected to reach New Zealand on Sunday morning.
The first waves are expected to reach Napier at 0823 NZDT on Sunday 28 February. The first wave may not be the largest, and strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.
People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay away from coastal water, including boating activities, tidal estuaries, lower areas of rivers and streams for at least 24 hours after estimated tsunami arrival time, as even small waves create dangerous currents.
3. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 20 metres than if they are close to the shore.
4. Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas
5. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
6. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
7. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.
This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
CIVIL DEFENCE EXERCISE TO BUILD ON RECENT EXPERIENCE
Hawke’s Bay’s Civil Defence Emergency Management organisations have had experience with a number of emergencies this year – including Police actions, storms and tsunami alerts.
However the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group wants to learn more through a region-wide “Exercise BayVac” on Friday 13 November.
The hypothetical BayVac scenario is a prolonged heavy rain storm occurring over Hawke’s Bay resulting in flooding, plus strong gales affecting parts of the region.
“The threat of flooding from heavy rainfall in Hawke’s Bay is a realistic scenario, so it’s an exercise which will have a practical benefit to the organisations that respond to these events in our region,” said Nigel Simpson, Group Co-ordinator for the HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.
Taking part in the exercise are Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Wairoa District Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, NZ Fire Service, NZ Police, St John Ambulance, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Public Health Unit, and Ministry of Social Development, plus members of the Hawke’s Bay Engineering Lifelines Group, Welfare Advisory Group and the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington.
The exercise will further enhance the working relationships between these organisations and clarify roles and responsibilities in the response to a region-wide emergency. It will test inter-agency communication, public information and each organisation’s response procedures.
“There are always lessons to be learned through both exercises and real events – however the value of exercises is that staff involved can slow things down to get processes right and cement their knowledge,” said Nigel.
The date of the event hasn’t escaped him – he is hoping that Friday the thirteenth doesn’t bring a real event like the recent tsunami response that replaced a marine oil spill exercise which was planned for the same day.
Friday 9 October 2009; 5.00pm
DISASTER AWARENESS WEEK, 11-17 OCTOBER 2009
Disaster Awareness Week is supported by Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group from 11- 17 October.
One big difference this year is that it follows a number of civil defence emergencies and police alerts in Hawke’s Bay – very clear reminders of how suddenly things can happen, and how long people may need to cope without assistance.
Whether it’s an event requiring Police action that prevents people from getting home for a couple of nights, or snow on a road that forces a change of plans or keeps people at home, or a tsunami alert that needs to be responded to, or an earthquake at night ... Hawke’s Bay people have been learning that being better prepared for any emergency is essential.
Added to these events has been the recent testing by Napier City Council of the civil defence sirens. The public have responded well to a survey of siren loudness and this information will be used to plan for future civil defence warnings.
During the week there are a number of activities from Wairoa to Waipukurau reinforcing the GET READY GET THRU message – although emergency management staff are hoping these won’t include any more genuine emergency events.
New World Supermarkets and The Warehouse are helping to make it easier for people during Disaster Awareness Week. They will have instore displays of essential items that people should have at home (or work) in their emergency kits.
Peter Elliot, the well-known New Zealand actor who fronts the GET READY GET THRU advertisements on television and in newspapers, will be in Hawke’s Bay along with Hon John Carter, the Minister of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, to talk to people about being prepared.
On Friday 16 October, Peter will be at New World Hastings, 10 -11 am, and both Peter and John will be at New World Greenmeadows, 12.30 - 1.30pm, where the winner of Napier City Council’s siren test survey draw will also receive their prize.
Other events during the week include a competition for children in community newspapers, and a WHAT’S THE PLAN STAN? poster design competition through schools.
So make time this week to check ... Do you know what radio stations to listen to for alerts and updates? Have you enough water and food stored or does it need replacing? Do you have batteries ready for torches and radios? A first aid kit plus any essential medicines you need? Have you sat down at home to plan what you will do when an emergency occurs?
And the recent snow storm is a reminder that it also pays to plan for an emergency when you are driving out of the district – blankets, water and food in the car can make a wait for rescue more comfortable.
For more information, check inside the cover of the Yellow Pages for a guide.
Friday 9 October 2009; 5.00pm
WEATHER ALERT – HEAVY RAIN FORECAST
Current situation
- Heavy rain forecast for Friday night and into Saturday morning is expected to turn to snow.
- The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Group urges anyone planning to travel roads in the Central North Island, including the Hawke’s Bay ranges to be prepared.
- Advice to drivers and passengers is to take extreme care on Central North Island roads, particularly the Desert Road, Napier-Taupo highway and the Napier-Taihape Road.
- Check www.metservice.co.nz or www.aaroadwatch.co.nz or listen to the radio for weather updates before travelling out of the region.
- If travelling out of the region by road, include some food, with plenty of warm clothes and blankets.
Thursday 8 October 2009
TSUNAMI ADVISORY #2 - CANCELLATION
Current situation
- Based on an assessment of the Tsunami activity experienced up to now, we can now cancel the Potential Threat Advisory.
- However, the public should remain cautious of continuing strong currents for the rest of the day and early evening.
- Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group staff have now been stepped down.
Thursday 8 October 2009
TSUNAMI ADVISORY #1
Current situation
- A Tsunami measuring 0.04 metres [4 centimetres] was recorded near Vanuatu.
- Any potential waves are not expected to be destructive for New Zealand however we still advise people in Hawke’s Bay to be vigilant around coastal areas.
- Irregular waves and current flows created from the earthquake may reach the Hawke's Bay coastline at approximately 4.30pm.
- The public is advised to continue as normal, but be aware of irregular-sized waves at the shoreline.
Monday 5 October 2009
DRIVERS OF ABANDONED CARS ASKED TO BE PATIENT; 2.30pm
Police have asked drivers of abandoned cars to be patient after a number of drivers have attempted to get to their cars using their own four-wheel-drives.
Police say the only way drivers can safety get to their vehicle is by catching a Civil Defence bus from Hukarere Girls College in Eskdale.
Civil Defence Controller Mike Maguire says the last bus from Hukarere to cars abandoned along State Highway Five has departed.
Owners of vehicles abandoned, on the Napier side of Te Haroto, that haven’t already picked up their cars should make their way to Hukarere Girls College tomorrow morning.
Drivers should listen to the radio for further instructions on what time to report to Hukarere Girls College.
Weather conditions will dictate when the road will be reopened and when the balance of vehicles will be recovered.
At 2pm, there were about 25 vehicles that could not to be recovered because they are embedded in deep snow.
Farmers and other residents in snowed in areas who require medical assistance or other emergency assistance should contact Hastings District Council on ph. 871 5000 or call 111.
Senior Sergeant Andy Sloan of Napier police says some locals have been trying to get onto SH5 from side roads, but they are being turned back.
"It's important that everyone in the area stay off the roads and not venture out unless it is absolutely necessary," Senior Sergeant Sloan says.
"The last thing we need is for more vehicles and people to get stuck or stranded in what continues to be cold and wet conditions."
Comprehensive list of people who have been evacuated are being compiled by both Hastings and Taupo emergency centres.
People wanting to check on the welfare of family travelling the highway can call either Hastings District Council ph. 871 5000 or Taupo on ph. 0800 275 832.
Monday 5 October 2009
DRIVERS OF ABANDONED VEHICLES LEAVE TO COLLECT CARS; 11.30am
The first bus load of drivers evacuated from snowed-in State Highway Five last night have left Hukarere Girls College to collect the cars they abandoned in heavy snow last night.
One bus of 50 drivers has left and another two buses are preparing to leave.
Only people who were evacuated from between Eskdale and Mohaka are able to retrieve their vehicles at this stage.
All vehicles are returning to Napier as conditions are still too dangerous to allow people to continue through to Taupo.
Farmers and other residents in snowed in areas who require medical assistance or other emergency assistance should contact Hastings District Council on ph. 871 5000 or call 111.
Senior Sergeant Andy Sloan of Napier police says some locals have been trying to get onto SH5 from side roads, but they are being turned back.
"It's important that everyone in the area stay off the roads and not venture out unless it is absolutely necessary," Senior Sergeant Sloan says.
"The last thing we need is for more vehicles and people to get stuck or stranded in what continues to be cold and wet conditions."
Heavy snow is still falling in the area and Police have advised the Napier-Taupo Highway will potentially remain closed for other drivers for the rest of the day.
Hastings Civil Defence Controller Mike Maguire says until the weather improves and all abandoned vehicles are cleared the road will remained closed.
All trapped passengers along State Highway Five have been evacuated from their vehicles but some people are still remaining at Te Pohue, Te Haroto and Tarawera.
Comprehensive list of people who have been evacuated are being compiled by both Hastings and Taupo emergency centres.
People wanting to check on the welfare of family travelling the highway can call either Hastings District Council ph. 871 5000 or Taupo on ph. 0800 275 832.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
HBCDEM TSUNAMI RELEASE 5; 5.28pm
Emergency response/ Current Situation
The tsunami alert has been cancelled.
Civil Defence Emergency Management staff have been stepped down.
Please note, varying wave patterns may continue until the end of the day.
For further information, contact Drew Broadley, 06 835 2632.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
HBCDEM TSUNAMI RELEASE 4; 12.51pm
Emergency response/ Current Situation
The tsunami alert remains active.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
HBCDEM TSUNAMI RELEASE 3; 11.42am
Emergency response/ Current Situation
People in Hawke's Bay are being asked to remain on alert around the coast and river mouth areas.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
HBCDEM TSUNAMI RELEASE 2; 11.09am
Emergency response/ Current Situation
The tsunami warning is now downgraded to a National Advisory-Potential Threat to NZ level.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
TSUNAMI WARNING 1; 8.44am
Emergency response/ Current Situation
The Hawke's Bay Emergency Controller has received a tsunami warning for the East Coast. Civil Defence staff are on alert.
National advice is there may be up to a 1m wave at East Cape at around 10.22am.
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management is advising all coastal settlements of the risk, and asking public to keep away from beaches.
The tsunami will arrive on a low tide but there is still a considered risk to beach areas and public safety.
The Port of Napier Ltd is aware of the situation and is taking appropriate action.
Please listen to your radio news for further information.
For further information contact Susan Wylie, 06 835 9208.
Friday 28 August 2009
LISTEN TO THE RADIO IN EMERGENCIES
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and the Hawke’s Bay Police say that although it is natural for people to be alarmed by an earthquake, they are concerned that routine calling of the 111 emergency number following earthquakes could stop genuine emergency calls getting through.
Following this morning’s earthquake in Wellington, there were media reports of a number of calls to 111. These calls should be made in a genuine emergency, by people needing ambulance, fire or police responses.
Radio will be used by civil defence and emergency management organisation to broadcast safety information if the situation requires it. Turn on a radio and listen to a local station. Talkback stations can be useful for finding out about earthquakes, particularly during the night.
The best way to respond is to be prepared ahead of any emergency. People should be prepared to respond safely and cope on their own after an emergency for at least 3 days. Know the safe places in your home to shelter in a strong earthquake, and make sure children also know how to be safe. Store drinking water and food and have a good plan for coping after a major event.
People who live along the coast should take some time now to learn more about the tsunami risk for their area and have their own plans in place. This will include listening to broadcasts on radio.
For more information, contact your local council.