Hamiltonians urged to prepare now for impact of Cyclone Vaianu

Hamilton residents should prepare now, with Cyclone Vaianu forecast to impact Hamilton from early Sunday 12 April and the most severe weather expected between midday and 4pm Sunday, says Hamilton City Council.

For safety reasons, several facilities and parks- including Hamilton Gardens, will be closed on Sunday. Civil Defence has been activated and an Emergency Operations Centre will be set up to coordinate the response across Hamilton and Waikato.

Forecasts indicate the cyclone could bring very strong winds, heavy rain, localised flooding, falling trees or branches, road closures and potential power outages.

Hamiltonians are urged to secure loose items, avoid travel during severe weather where possible, and stay away from river paths, parks and areas prone to flooding. 

Facilities and parks to remain closed on Sunday include:  

• Hamilton Gardens.
• Libraries at: Dinsdale, Glenview, St Andrews, Hillcrest,
• FMG Stadium Waikato.
• Gallagher Aquatic Centre.
• Hamilton Organic Centre.
• Lincoln Street Transfer Station.
• Sandford Park.
• Taitua Arboretum.
• Te Hikuwai Bush Walk.
• Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery
• Jubilee Park Walkway.
• Waikato River paths through Ann Street, Fairfield esplanade, Memorial Park, Grantham Street.
• Waterworld. 
• Claudelands: Sunday’s Farmers Market has been cancelled.

For more detailed information on how to prepare, click here.

Call 111 if there is a risk to life or property, for urgent Council issues, call 07 838 6699 and for power outages report to WEL Networks on 0800 800 935