12/04/2026
Latest from our Regional CD
👋 Mōrena koutou (morning all). A new day means a new pānui (public notice, announcement, proclamation), and we’ve just received the latest weather update from Metservice.
Overall, we're expecting surface flooding and wind damage in several areas as the cyclone moves through our region today.
In short, it’s going to be a great day for staying indoors, watching some movies and dusting off the board games cupboard. 🎲
As usual, here are the latest watches and warnings for our region from Metservice. There have been some changes from yesterday’s update, so read through carefully:
🟠💨 Taumarunui (Waimarino National Park up) – a strong wind warning is in place from 9am Sunday until 3am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies are forecast for late Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 120km/h in exposed places.
🟡💨 North Rangitīkei and South Ruapehu (Waimarino National Park down and Mangaweka up) – a strong wind warning is in place from 9am Sunday to 5am Monday. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale northwesterlies Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 130km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
🟠🌧️ Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges – a heavy rain warning is in place from 10am to 10pm Sunday. Expect 150 to 180mm of rain, possibly more. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h in localised downpours this afternoon and evening. There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.
🟡💨 Whanganui – a strong wind watch is in place from 6pm Sunday to 1am Monday. Strong southeasterlies changing to gale southwesterlies on Sunday afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies may approach severe gales in exposed places.
🟠💨Tararua – a strong wind warning is in place from 10pm Sunday until 8am Monday. Severe gale westerlies on Sunday night will gust 120km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance of an upgrade to a red warning.
🟠🌧️ Coastal Tararua – a heavy rain warning for the coastal hills of Hawke’s Bay south of Cape Kidnappers and Wairarapa, which includes the Tararua District, is also in place from 11am to midnight on Sunday. Expect 70 to 100mm with peak rates of 25 to 40mm/h possible in localised downpours this afternoon and evening.
🟠🌧️ Tararua Range also has a heavy rain warning in place from 11am until midnight on Sunday. Expect 90 to 120mm of rain with peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected on Sunday afternoon and evening.
🟡💨 Manawatū (including Palmerston North), Horowhenua – a strong wind watch is in place from 9am Sunday until 6am Monday. There is a moderate chance of an upgrade to a strong wind warning.
👥 For us, this means we’re in full swing today. We've got a fully staffed team here in our Group Emergency Coordination Centre, and will do into the wee hours of tomorrow morning. We’re keeping in close contact with our city and district council counterparts and Horizons Regional Council’s river management team, who are monitoring the region’s rivers and streams closely.
❌ There are no state of emergency declarations in our region.
Our main message for you today is to stay inside. Don’t walk around outside, and don’t drive unless you absolutely have to.
🛑 If you need to travel, take extra care. The speed limit is not a target, and there may be road blockages we do not yet know about. Take your time. Keep in contact with friends or family to let them know where you are, and when you’ve arrived safely at your destination.
🌊 Weather like this can bring floods and flash flooding, which can happen quickly and often without much notice. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Act quickly - head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
🏃 If you do feel unsafe however, if in doubt, get out – this applies to people and stock. You are best to pre-emptively evacuate areas, rather than waiting for conditions to worsen overnight. If you do evacuate, ensure you tell friends or family where you plan to go to.
🚫 Do not attempt to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater. Floodwater only 15cm deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of floodwater is enough to sweep away a vehicle. Don’t take the chance.
🪨 Landslides are also possible in these weather conditions. If a landslide occurs – or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick.
📻 Stay informed. We’ve added the list of emergency radio frequencies in the comments. Check your city or district council page and website, Metservice for the latest weather updates, NZTA Facebook and website for State Highway closure info, and our website for more information at mwcdem.govt.nz.
⏰ We’ll be back this afternoon for the next update, if not before then. In the meantime, stay safe, and look after yourselves and each other.
