Red wind warning as ‘damaging’ 140km/h gusts loom

MetService has issued red-level wind warnings for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island as Cyclone Vaianu is expected to make landfall on Sunday, April 12.

The weather service upgraded its warnings shortly before 10 a.m., moving from preliminary yellow watches to red-level strong wind warnings for the most affected areas. Forecasters describe the system as a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event.

While Cyclone Vaianu was recently downgraded to a category 2 cyclone, meteorologists warn that the system remains large and damaging, warranting the highest level of alert. Red warnings are reserved for extreme weather events where significant disruption is expected.

The specific locations of the most severe impacts—including power outages, falling trees, flooding, slips, and road closures—will depend heavily on the cyclone’s final track as it moves southwards across the North Island.

Emergency Response and Preparation

Acting Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk stated that emergency agencies, including NEMA, civil defence, local councils, and first responders, are preparing for the worst.

The New Zealand Defence Force has mobilized air assets, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, as well as personnel and large vehicles. These assets are being prepositioned to anticipate needs as the system approaches.

Minister Penk noted that while preparations are centered on the North Island, the South Island may also experience severe weather impacts. He highlighted that communities already affected by severe weather earlier this year are among the most vulnerable.

Government agencies have specifically warned households to prepare for the potential loss of power and to check on vulnerable neighbors.

Current Weather Warnings

Strong Wind Warning – Red
Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island: 5 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Northland (Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour), Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty (west of Whakatāne including Rotorua), and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti (north of Tolaga Bay) are all under orange warnings starting Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Orange warnings are in effect for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, Taupō, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Taihape, Taranaki, and Whanganui through Sunday and into early Monday.

Watches
Heavy rain and strong wind watches remain in force for various regions across the North Island and the upper South Island, including Wairarapa, Wellington, and the Marlborough Sounds.