Taupo District Council, FuseworksApril 3, 2012, 4:59 pm

Taupo Civil Defence and Emergency Management team are advising residents to be on alert as strong winds and heavy rain is forecast for the Central North Island over the coming days.

Civil Defence is asking the community to be prepared for the severe weather blast, which could hit the region as early as tonight. They advise people to secure loose items around their properties and avoid areas which are prone to wind damage and falling trees during strong weather.

Spa Park, Reid's Farm and Owen Delany Park suffered damage following wind gusts last month which ripped through the area and Council staff are continuing to clear trees and debris from these areas. The winds also caused damage to signage and buildings in the Broadlands Road, Centennial Drive and Rakanui Road areas.

The public are advised to stay away from these areas during strong wind gusts for their own safety. Some trees in these areas particularly, may have suffered damage and could come down easily if winds persist.

Emergency Manager, Phil Parker, says people just need to use their common sense. "Please be aware that during strong winds it is advised to stay indoors unless necessary and take extra care on the roads. Also, some areas get hit harder than others, so avoid the areas listed above if at all possible."

Civil Defence will keep the public informed through their Twitter and Facebook pages, and via messages on local radio stations. "It is yet another reminder to make sure we are prepared and have ways of staying in contact, especially in situations where the power may be cut," says Mr Parker.

www.twitter.com/taupoemergency
www.facebook.com/civildefencetaupo

Stay safe Graeme and will be thinking of you.
About time those large pines were cut down a that is an awful height to have beside you - let alone being dangerous to neighbors.