11/04/2026
🌧️Mōrena Hawke’s Bay
Over the past few years, our region has weathered more than its fair share of severe events, and we know this is an anxious time for everyone in our community.
Our 24 hour Emergency Coordination Centre is now activated, and we’ll keep you updated regularly as this weather event unfolds. We will continue coordinating closely with councils, MetService and our partner agencies.
ℹ️Here is what we know so far:
There are no further updates to the Cyclone Vaianu weather watch and warning.
🟠STRONG WIND WARNING – Hawke's Bay
Period: 16 hours from 10am Sunday 12 April to 2am Monday, 13 April.
Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti, Hawke's Bay and Taihape.
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly Sunday afternoon or evening, gusting 130km/h in exposed places. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a Red Warning.
🟡HEAVY RAIN WATCH- Hawke's Bay
Period: 16 hours from 2am to 6pm Sun, 12 April.
Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti about and south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke's Bay ranges, and coastal hills south of Napier.
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach or exceed warning criteria. Large swells and coastal inundation are likely. There is a high chance this Watch will be upgraded to a Warning.
SAFETY ADVICE.
⚠️ If life, health or property is at risk, call 111.
💨 SEVERE WIND.
Don't walk around outside during severe wind. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.
🌊 COASTAL INUNDATION/FLOODING.
Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
⛰️ LANDSLIDES.
Landslides can occur without any warning signs. Be aware of the potential for landslides, particularly in the weeks after potential triggering events, such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and previous landslides. If you see a landslide, move quickly out of its path and stay away from it.
❤️🩹 WELLBEING
Experiencing severe weather can be incredibly stressful and scary, and take a great toll on your mental health and wellbeing.
Whatever you’re going through, know that you’re not alone.
Try to take things one step at a time – a few slow breaths, checking in with neighbours or loved ones, and keeping up with official advice on how to prepare can all help you feel a bit more steady
💨 For advice on how to prepare for dangerous winds and severe weather visit GetReady.govt.nz
🛈 Stay Informed - keep yourself up to date with the latest forecasts, HBRC River monitoring, highway conditions, and council updates:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/environment/rainfall
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/Journey-planner
https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz
MetService New Zealand Hawke's Bay Regional Council Wairoa District Council Napier City Council - Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga Central Hawke's Bay District Council NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Hawke’s Bay & Gisborne
