Metservice is warning that Cyclone Vaianu is a “multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event”. The entire North Island of New Zealand has been put under a strong wind watch for Sunday April 12, something that Metservice forecaster Brian Mercer says it has never done before.

Officials are encouraging North Islanders to prepare now before it is too late, with prime minister Christopher Luxon telling people to “stock up, get supplies and tie things down.”

Electricity distributor Powerco is also telling customers to “prepare now to potentially be without power for several days”.

Its recommendations include fully charging your devices, buying a spare battery or mobile power pack, and keeping a torch, battery-powered light and spare batteries on hand.

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