Media advisory No 1

5.10pm, 13 March 2014

Auckland keeping close watch on Cyclone Lusi

Auckland’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) is preparing to manage any incidents if as expected Cyclone Lusi hits the region this weekend.

Auckland Council CDEM Manager Clive Manley says Civil Defence and key council staff are closely tracking the path of Cyclone Lusi and he advises people to prepare for severe weather conditions.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Auckland this weekend, with heavy rain and winds of up to 110km/h. People are advised to keep up to date with severe weather warnings and forecasts from MetService.

“People need to monitor official weather warnings and forecasts and be prepared. Cyclone Lusi could well bring flooding, slips, road closures, and power and phone outages.

“We encourage people to take steps to prepare now. Check your drains and gutters are clear, and secure items such as outdoor furniture, rubbish bins and trampolines.”

People are also being warned that travel plans could be affected and these may need to be reviewed.

To keep updated, follow Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter @AucklandCDEM.

You can also follow updates from Auckland Council on Facebook and Twitter @aklcouncil.

If you have a smartphone, please download the Auckland Civil Defence app to receive instant updates. Go to www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz/Alerting/Get-the-Applications.

Visit www.getthru.govt.nz for detailed information on what to do, before, during and after a storm.

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