MetService weather explainer: severe weather

"When it's yellow, there's no immediate threat, but it's the heads up to start planning appropriately, and stay alert, as bad weather is getting closer and could escalate," Keats explains. 

• Issued up to three days before potential severe weather. 

• Indicate bad weather is coming, but that the exact details are still uncertain. 

• A heads-up to start planning and checking forecasts more frequently.  

• A signal there is no immediate threat, but you should stay alert in case conditions escalate. 

“When an orange warning is issued – we know severe weather is either imminent or it’s here.. and it’s serious,” said Keats. 

An orange warning means severe weather is either nearly here or already happening. It requires immediate action to prepare for: 

• Potential power outages. 

• Flooding in vulnerable areas. 

• Downed trees and debris. 

At this point you won’t just be getting warnings from MetService, your local council and emergency management office typically become involved too. Regional thresholds for what happens next varies based on how vulnerable your location is to different weather conditions, so check details with your local officials. 

"A red warning is issued in collaboration with councils, emergency services, civil defence, and often results in a State of Emergency," said Keats. "The severe weather is likely to cause huge disruption and damage." 

• Represents potentially catastrophic weather conditions. 

• Often coincides with a State of Emergency declaration. 

• Warns of conditions that could cause massive disruption and damage, injury or death. 

• Communities may become isolated because of: 

     - Long power outages.  

     - Damaged road networks.  

     - Communications systems being down. 

• Make an emergency plan with your family. 

• Know your local hazards. Is your area prone to flooding or coastal inundation in a large swell? 

• Prepare a "go bag" with essentials in case evacuation becomes necessary. 

• Stock emergency supplies including water, food, and medications. 

• Know your evacuation routes and local emergency shelter locations. 

• Make sure your vulnerable family members and neighbours are ok. 

• Stay informed through official channels like MetService, your local emergency management office and NEMA’s Civil Defence website and their social media pages.