Red Wind Warning Issued for Canterbury

Wednesday 2.50PM: Civil Defence Emergency Management is urging residents to organize for extreme winds on Thursday, after MetService issued Red Strong Wind Warnings for Canterbury.

The winds could produce widespread injury, particularly to bushes, powerlines, and will elevate roofs. There could also be highway closures and energy outages.

Local Controller Ian Soper stated that comparatively calm circumstances on Wednesday gives residents the prospect to take a couple of primary precautions.

“People should be checking their properties and securing any items that could be picked up in the wind.

“We suggest that folks keep away from non-essential journey tomorrow, notably you probably have a high-sided car or bikes.

Mr Soper encourages folks to concentrate on their environment and take excessive warning if venturing outdoors.

“There is an actual hazard to folks from flying particles or falling bushes. Branches, fences or sheets of roofing materials can all turn into missiles in sturdy winds. The most secure plan of action is to remain inside.”

Fire and Emergency NZ is also warning of hazardous fire conditions and has declared a fire ban for Canterbury. No open fires or fireworks are allowed over the next few days.

What you can do:

• Check your property for loose items, and secure objects such as trampolines, outdoor furniture, bins and anything else that can get picked up by the wind.
• When parking your vehicle, be aware of any surroundings which could pose risk.
• Bring your pets inside and check your stock have safe shelter.
• Stay well clear of parks, reserves, river trails and any other areas with tall trees.
• Stay well clear of downed power lines and treat them as live at all times.
• Charge your devices (and electric vehicles), in case of power outages.
• Avoid lighting fires and check old burn piles for smouldering embers. They should be completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
• Civil Defence will monitor conditions through the day, stay informed at the links at the bottom of this article.
• In an emergency, always call 111.

Weather forecast

For the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch, MetService has issued a red strong wind warning valid from Thursday 10am-4pm. Severe gusts up to 130km/h are expected in exposed places.

For the Canterbury High Country, Metservice has a red strong wind warning in place from Thursday 1am-5pm.  These areas can expect severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 150km/h in exposed places.

There is also an orange heavy rain warning in place for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and river, where 200 to 250 mm of rain is expected about the main divide. Within 40 km farther east, expect 100 to 160 mm south of Arthur’s Pass and 60 to 100 mm elsewhere. Thunderstorms expected.

Fire and fireworks ban

Fire and Emergency NZ have issued a total ban on open fires and fireworks across the whole of Canterbury until 8am on 27 Monday October. This means no new fires at all, for any reason, and no fireworks.

They ask every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help them avoid more fires starting, or reigniting from previous burns.

Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to check today that it is completely out. If there is 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.

Rivers and Flooding

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, however significant out-of-river flooding is not expected at this stage.  Take caution around riverbanks and low-lying areas.

Electricity

Strong winds may down power lines and cause outages, so charge your devices today. If you come across downed lines, stay clear and assume any downed lines are live and potentially dangerous.

Report downed lines immediately to EA Networks on 0800 430 460 and check the EA Networks web site for real-time data on any outages which may be occurring.

Rubbish and Recycling

Kerbside collections might be nonetheless working on Thursday, nevertheless the Council recommends not placing your bin out if it could actually wait till the following assortment.

If you do must put your bin out, please be sure it is out on the kerb by 7.30am and use the bin wind straps. The assortment workforce could have additional employees to assist take care of any points.

The Ashburton and Rakaia Transfer Stations are prone to be closed on Thursday till winds ease.

Stay Informed: