Farmers are battening down the hatches in preparation for ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita which is expected to hit the West Coast of New Zealand tomorrow.
Flooding in Westport at the start of February. Photo: Supplied / Jules Anderson
Just over two weeks ago the region was hit by heavy rain, king tides, and strong winds - which left farm buildings ruined, paddocks flooded and roads damaged.
Cylone Gita, which has caused havoc in the Pacific, is now on its way to New Zealand and Civil Defence is warning people to prepare for power cuts, road closures and possible evacuation.
The West Coast Regional council is discussing today whether to declare a state of emergency.
Dairy farmer Rebecca Keoghan lives near Westport and manages seven Landcorp farms in the area.
Carters Beach in Westport Photo: Westport News
She said farmers were taking the weather warnings seriously.
"We are well and truly getting prepared for the potential of Cyclone Gita ... we've had warnings in the past that cyclones are going to make their way here and they haven't eventuated.
"But following on from two weeks ago with Cyclone Fehi we're not taking any chances."
Farmers still had precautions in place from the last storm, Ms Keoghan said.
"Things are still tied down from a couple of weeks ago, other than that it's filling up generators, making sure we have enough supplies if need be as the roads were closed last time and we couldn't get in or out of the district.
"If the storm surges come then those closest are going to be smashed again."
