7am 16 March 2013
Civil Defence Centre Activated in Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group Emergency Coordination Centre was activated at 5am this morning to support the response to Cyclone Pam across the region.

At 4am this morning Metservice reclassified Cyclone Pam as an intense extra tropical cyclone and is anticipated to be at its closest to the East Cape around mid-day today. It is then likely to continue moving east-southeast and lie just northeast of the Chatham Islands at midday Tuesday. The severe weather warning remains in place.

Early reports indicate no significant damage throughout the region overnight but we continue to monitor the situation as the winds are expected to develop this morning east of Whakatāne.

Reclassification does not mean that “Pam” no longer poses any threat. Extremely strong wind gusts, heavy rain and phenomenal waves are still expected.

Regular updates will continue to be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management’s website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. We encourage you to upload your photos or commentary on any adverse weather effects you may witness

We are aware there was a localised power outage at Waihau Bay.

The following schools in the East Cape will be closed today: Maraenui, Ōmaio, Te Whānau Apanui Area School, Ruakokiri, Cape Runway and Kutarere.

We will keep our Facebook page updated as any other closures are known.

ENDS

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