Marlborough Emergency Management advise people to be wary and delay any travel plans involving Marlborough on Thursday with a Strong Wind Warning - Orange in place. This is highly likely to be upgraded to a Red Warning.

“We realise the Labour holiday weekend is coming and people have planned trips here and away from Marlborough - we are not saying do not travel at all, we are just recommending people wait until the winds settle down. We advise people to stay off the roads on Thursday and travel from Friday. This includes water activities – use this time to check your boat and safety equipment before the long weekend,” Regional Controller Richard McNamara said.

“Marlborough Emergency Management are activated and monitoring the situation closely. We are expecting a short-lived event.”

Metservice have forecast severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of up to 130km/h in exposed places with a high chance of upgrading to a Red Warning from 6am to 4pm Thursday.

The strong wind could cause damage to trees, powerlines and roofs as well as disrupt transport, ferry services and power supplies. People should also be prepared for power outages and take care on local walking and biking tracks.

“The public should expect dangerous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. We know this is a popular time for bach owners visiting the Marlborough Sounds with boats and we are aware of caravan owner and equestrian events in Marlborough and Kaikōura. Please avoid any unnecessary travel – you’ve got all weekend so take your time,” Mr McNamara said.

“It’s also a good opportunity today to secure items that could be picked up by strong winds.”

Rural property owners and farmers are also advised to “check, check and check again” any burnoffs they have had in the past two months as these have the potential to reignite in the strong winds, Mr McNamara said.

Fire and Emergency NZ has announced a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks in Marlborough, Canterbury and South Canterbury from noon today because of the extreme fire risk caused by the severe gales forecast to hit the South Island.

The ban will remain in place until 8am on Monday 27 October.

Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to go and check today that it is completely out. If you see any sign of heat or smoke, please act immediately to fully wet down the site. If this is not possible, call 111 so that firefighters can assist.

The Ministry for Primary Industry has also recommended ensuring livestock have access to shelter and that gates are secure to prevent livestock from getting loose. They also recommend:

• Bring your pets inside or into a sturdy out-building to protect them from the wind
• Check pastures and remove any debris, such as loose metal or broken branches, that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds
• Take care when transporting livestock and horses as vehicles may tip over in high winds
• Ensure roofs on buildings housing stock are secure
• For more information: Preparing animals for emergencies | NZ Government

For preparedness advice, please go to: https://getready.govt.nz

For weather updates go to: www.metservice.com

Further updates will be provided via Council’s website, Antenno and Facebook page.

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