As MetService issues a strong wind warning for the weekend, Powerco is urging people to make preparations.
The forecast of severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130kmh in exposed places has been issued for Wairarapa for a 15-hour period starting at 11am tomorrow.
The areas expected to be worst affected are Carterton, north of Carterton, and the Tararua District.
Powerco has advised people in the region to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for the possibility of power outages ahead of the winds.
Gusts of more than 100kmh are expected from around 6pm today for Wairarapa and Tararua, with bring down power lines, cutting supply.
“Please take the time to secure anything that could blow into lines, such as trampolines, outdoor furniture and other loose items, such as sheets of iron,” she said.
“Wind-blown debris has caused multiple power outages in previous storms and is a major threat to people’s safety.
“If you come across any downed power lines, it’s important that you treat them as live at all times, stay well clear, and contact our 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27 or 111.”
Powerco has extra crews on standby ready to respond.
“We do our very best to prepare for extreme weather events and respond quickly by having extra crews on the ground ready to make repairs and restore power to our customers,” Haydon said.
Residents are also advised to prepare for possible power outages by stocking up on torches and batteries, ensuring cellphone batteries are charged and BBQ gas bottles filled, and having bottled water on hand if they rely on a pump.
The weekend’s extreme weather comes after strong winds blew through Wairarapa on Thursday night.
Power cuts affected 72 customers in South Featherston on Thursday evening after a tree contacted lines in high winds. The tree was cut away, with power restored to customers by 8.30pm.
In a separate fault the same evening, 477 Featherston customers lost supply after branches went through lines in Hardie Grove. All power was restored shortly after 9pm.
Field crews were also kept busy with a number of faults affecting single customers in various areas of Wairarapa, many involving trees and branches through lines.
