People in low-lying areas, or areas that are known to have flooded before, are encouraged to self-evacuate ahead of high tide around 2pm today when the worst impact from Cyclone Vaianu is expected to be felt.

Police will soon begin door-knocking in low-lying areas identified as highest risk, particularly where this morning’s 2am hightide marks indicated a greater potential for coastal or surface flooding. This is to ensure people are aware of the conditions and have the information they need to stay safe.

Businesses in low-lying areas are strongly encouraged to consider closing, or if they choose to remain open, they should have a plan in case staff and customers need to stay and shelter in place.

Police will be door-knocking residents and businesses in these high risk, low-lying areas:

• Fraser Cove (Fraser Street outside Fraser Cove will close from 12pm –5pm todaydue to potentialinundation)
• Burrows Street
• Seventh Avenue alongside Memorial Park
• Properties on the harbours edge between First Avenue and Fifth Avenue

We are also closely monitoring the following areas of concern:

• Trinity Wharf
• Whareroa
• Te Hano Street
• Turrett Road

Current conditions and forecast

In the hour before high tide, 45–55mm of rain is forecast, which could increase the risk of surface flooding and coastal impacts. The combined effects of heavy rainfall, coastal surge and high tide mean impacts could escalate rapidly and with little warning.

We are experiencing coastal surges, particularly along exposed coastal areas, and people are asked to stay well away from cliffs, beaches and sand dunes.

Do not go swimming or surfing. Coastal conditions are dangerous, and debris may be present in the water, increasing the risk of injury.

Wave heights of up to 8 metres are expected this afternoon, increasing the risk of coastal inundation and damage.

Emergency Assistance Centre

Mercury Baypark has opened as an Emergency Assistance Centre for those in need to visit today. Here people can have a cup of tea and a safe place to wait while the Cyclone Vaianu passes.

• Mercury Baypark 
  81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 3152

Friends and whānau 
If you are self-evacuating from your property and need a place to stay overnight, please seek refuge with friends or whānau first where possible.

Marae 
Several marae have opened to provide shelter, support and a location to stay overnight for those in need.

For a full list of the marae that are open visitwww.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent.

Bring your grab bag containing personal items such as medication, a torch, chargers, personal sanitary supplies, and a pillow and blanket if you intend to stay at marae overnight. Please bring your own snacks and some food if possible, particularly if you have allergies or require gluten or dairyfree options.

Community Emergency Hubs 
These locations are run by the community and no Emergency Management staff are on site.

• The Atrium – open today 
  252 Otūmoetai Road, Otūmoetai
• The Matua Bowling Club - open from 9am to 4pm today 
  108 Levers Road, Matua

General information 
Please avoid bringing pets to any of these locations. If this isn’t possible, domestic pets are the owner’s responsibility and must stay in vehicles.

Do not go swimming or surfing. Coastal conditions are dangerous, and debris may be present in the water, increasing the risk of injury.

Please contact council on 07 577 7000 to report any damage, flooding or fallen trees, and provide the exact location.

At any point throughout today if you are in immediate danger or life is at risk, call 111.

Where to find official information 
Council weather event hub:www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent 
Road closures and slips:NZTA Journey Planner
Emergency information:https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence 
Weather updates:www.metservice.com 
Power outages: https://outages.powerco.co.nz/

© Scoop Media