CYCLONE VAIANU (Update 10 April 2026) - Expect heavy rain and extremely strong winds this weekend. Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to reach the Waikato region after midnight Saturday 11 April, with full effects expected on Sunday 12 April. Its exact track is still uncertain including the impact it may have on our district. Safety and wellbeing is always at the top of our mind and our local Civil Defence team is working with Waikato Civil Defence, and are ready to respond.

Take steps now to protect your family, property and livestock. Secure outdoor items, clear drains, and prepare for possible power outages and travel disruption. According to MetService update 10 April 9pm: a MetService strong wind warning (Orange) is in place for 18 hours from 4am - 10pm Sunday, 12 April for Waikato. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning. Stay home and don't enter floodwaters.

** IMPORTANT ** Stay in touch with the latest weather updates at www.metservice.com/warnings - information is regularly updated as the cyclone progresses.

Heavy rain and strong winds may cause flash flooding and rapidly rising water, landslides and falling trees, dangerous driving conditions and road closures, power outages. Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia Transfer Stations (Refuse and Recycling) will be closed on Sunday. Parks and reserves will be closed from 6pm Saturday till 8am Monday.

FOR INFORMATION TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND A LINK TO ROADING UPDATES: visit: Cyclone Vaianu