Cook had a cloud-filled eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. Credits: NOAA/NASA Rapid Response Team
A local state of emergency has been declared for the Bay of Plenty. Severe weather is expected in the region as Cyclone Cook bears down on New Zealand in the next 48 hours.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence emergency management group has announced a local state of emergency for the region this afternoon.
It supersedes the state of emergency declared by the Whakatane District Council, announced last Thursday.
Up to 250mm of rain is expected to lash the Bay of Plenty in the 48 hours from midday tomorrow, the region's council said.
Clinton Naude, group controller for Bay of Plenty civil defence management group, said tropical Cyclone Cook created a changing environment which they would be tracking.
Naude accepted they had learned from last week's weather bomb and were themselves more prepared to pass on advice to residents.
After a once in "500-year event" hit The Bay of Plenty New Zealand 2 weeks ago heavy rain arrived yet again last week, the North Island has just finished clearing up from last week's deluge ahead of Cyclone Cook.
Typically, that amount of rain alone from Cyclone Cook would raise concerns for flash flooding, but the aftermath of Debbie’s torrential rain has left the area extremely vulnerable.
The already saturated ground will not be able to absorb much rainfall, and swollen streams and rivers may quickly overflow their banks.
Conditions will be exacerbated where flood waters remain.
Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for new evacuation orders.
Increadibly at the end of February this year The Bay of Plenty was enduring a crippling drought: Incredible amount of rain bringing sub-tropical drenching with heavy downpours to New Zealand since then has left the whole area saturated.
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