SDC facilities to close on Tuesday 14 February due to weather warnings

With the Metservice upgrading Taranaki to a strong wind warning - Red from 6pm Monday to 6pm Tuesday, a number of services across the district will be impacted.

Stratford District Council Chief Executive Sven Hanne says in these events people’s safety comes first. “For that reason, we’re encouraging people to stay home and as a precaution will be closing some Council facilities on Tuesday.”

On Tuesday 14 February, the following Council services will be closed:

• Stratford Transfer Station
• Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre
• Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre

The district’s kerbside collection is due to be completed this evening by contractors. If your bin is missed tonight, please don’t leave it roadside in strong wind. Log the missed collection with us and we’ll ensure it is collected later in the week when weather allows.

SDC staff and contractors are on standby to attend to road closures if it is safe to do so and are available to set up a Welfare Centre should we require one.

People can continue to stay connected with us online, by phone, email and via our social media pages. Our contact details are here.

The latest update from Metservice:

• Southeast winds are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places, turning severe southerly gale gusting 120 km/h Tuesday morning, but damaging gusts of 130 to 140 km/h or higher are expected at times during Tuesday morning.
• These winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs. Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages. Conditions will be hazardous for motorists and there is a danger from debris and falling trees or branches.

How to stay safe:

• Avoid driving if you don’t need to.
• Tie down large items, like trampolines and outdoor furniture. If you can, turn trampolines upside down to minimise the risk of lifting.
• If you have any welfare concerns, please contact the Taranaki Emergency Management Office on 0800 900 049
• Be prepared 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 you rely on a pump. Find out more here: https://www.powerco.co.nz/outages/storm-ready
• For more information on how to prepare for a storm go to www.getready.govt.nz/

How to stay informed:

• Weather updates and warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
• Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management on Facebook or their website: https://cdemtaranaki.govt.nz/
• Listen to a radio or television station and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Central North Island, Road Closures: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/
• Power Outages: https://www.powerco.co.nz/outages
• Taranaki Public Transport updates: https://www.trc.govt.nz/buses-transport/bus-news-a...
• Download the Antenno App for updates straight to your mobile phone.