Civil defence, Extreme weather, Weather  |  Yesterday

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With high winds on the way, Christchurch City Council is urging people to spend some time today getting prepared.

Canterbury is currently sitting under a red wind warning for Thursday and the latest forecasts suggest Christchurch and Banks Peninsula could be subject to destructive winds of up to 130km/h. High temperatures are also expected which significantly increases the risk of fire. 

Christchurch City Council’s Manager of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Brenden Winder says residents should think about what preparations they can make today while there is a reprieve in the weather.

Parks and Library closures

As a precautionary measure, a number of Council parks will be closed tomorrow. These include: 

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens, including the Armagh Street and Riccarton Avenue car parks
  • Mona Vale
  • The Groynes
  • Bottle Lake Forest
  • Spencer Park
  • The Horseshoe Lake Dog Park
  • Urumau Reserve
  • Pony Point
  • Victoria Park, including Tawharanui Trail, Latta's Spur Track and The Harry Ell Walkway
  • Diamond Harbour's Coastal Cliffs Track 
  • Redwood Library and car park
  • Fendalton Library car park
“A red warning is serious – significant impacts are expected. This includes the possibility of threat to life from flying items and falling trees. 

“Destructive winds could cause widespread damage including to powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and disruption to transport and power supply possible.” 

“Now’s the time to think about how high winds could impact you and your property and take action. 

“Secure items that can be picked up by strong winds. Make sure your outdoor furniture and trampolines are secured.

“Postpone outdoor activities and steer clear of trees in parks and gardens – we’ve already seen some trees come down yesterday. 

“Avoid unnecessary travel from this evening. You may need to consider adjusting any travel plans you have with roads and highways already impacted.

“A total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks is also in force because of the extreme fire risk caused by the next wave of the severe gales. If you’ve had an outdoor fire recently, check it’s completely out and cold to the touch.

“Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help. Make sure pets and stock have safe shelter and secure gates and fences to ensure dogs stay on your property or keep them inside your house. 

“Prepare for possible communication and power outages by charging devices including mobile phones, torches and power banks. 

“Kerbside collections will take place as normal, but the timing may be affected by the weather conditions.

“If you have a kerbside collection scheduled for Thursday please put your bins out in the morning before 6am, rather than tonight, and collect them as quickly as possible once emptied. This will reduce the chance of bins being blown over and causing hazards,” says Mr Winder. 

Stay informed by following Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury on Facebook. The latest weather information comes from MetService, Te Ratonga Tirorangi.