Marlborough added to Cyclone Vaianu alerts

Cyclone Vaianu's impact on New Zealand is expected to include Marlborough as MetService has updated its alerts for Sunday.

The weather forecaster issued a heavy rain watch for the Marlborough Sounds area, including northeastern vicinities north of Kaikoura, from 2pm to midnight. As of Friday morning, MetService indicated a moderate chance the watch would get upgraded to a warning.

The North Island is bracing for the potential of serious damage, and possible loss of life, once the cyclone hits New Zealand.

Marlborough District Council specified the affected communities as Picton, Havelock, Blenheim, Rarangi, Renwick, Seddon, Ward and Kaikōura.

Council Chief Executive John Boswell advised property preparations such as removing or tying down loose items and clearing gutters, as well as keeping pets indoors and managing livestock.

“While Marlborough does not have the levels of rain and wind warnings issued for parts of the North Island, this is a significant weather event and people should be prepared,” he said in an announcement Friday afternoon. “Council’s Rivers team has advised rain levels will likely be well within the capacity of the Wairau River flood protection scheme, therefore any river flood impact on communities such as Spring Creek, Tuamarina and Renwick is expected to be minimal."

The Council CEO added that the district's Emergency Management team will monitor developments, and that Council will relay forecast changes on its site, Antenno and Facebook.

“The Ōpaoa and Taylor river levels near Blenheim are likely to rise but not on the scale we saw in June last year," he said. "The Flaxbourne River on the East Coast could also see elevated levels late on Sunday night, similar to those experienced during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Surface flooding may occur around the region and the Blenheim stormwater network could be put under pressure, depending on the intensity of rainfall. People should avoid driving on Sunday afternoon and evening if possible.”

Check Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService for updates on the forecast and advisories.