Cyclone Oma: What You Need to Know

What is Cyclone Oma?

Cyclone Oma is a Category 4 storm that is expected to make landfall in New Zealand on Tuesday, February 19. The storm is expected to bring high winds, heavy rain, and flooding to the country.

Oma is the first Category 4 cyclone to hit New Zealand in over a decade. The last Category 4 cyclone to hit the country was Cyclone Bola in 1988.

What are the risks of Cyclone Oma?

Cyclone Oma poses a number of risks to New Zealand, including:

• High winds: The storm is expected to bring winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour. These winds can cause damage to buildings, trees, and power lines.
• Heavy rain: The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, which can lead to flooding. Flooding can damage homes and businesses, and can also make roads impassable.
• Storm surge: The storm is expected to bring a storm surge of up to 3 meters. A storm surge is a wall of water that can inundate coastal areas.

What should you do to prepare for Cyclone Oma?

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for Cyclone Oma, including:

• Secure your home: Make sure your windows and doors are securely fastened. You should also bring in any outdoor furniture or other objects that could be blown away by the wind.
• Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have enough food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. You should also have a first-aid kit and a battery-powered radio on hand.
• Evacuate if necessary: If you live in a low-lying area or an area that is at risk of flooding, you should evacuate to a higher ground.

What should you do if Cyclone Oma hits?

If Cyclone Oma hits, you should:

• Stay indoors: The safest place to be during a cyclone is indoors.
• Stay away from windows: Windows can be shattered by high winds.
• Listen to the radio for updates: The radio is the best way to stay informed about the storm and any evacuation orders.

Conclusion

Cyclone Oma is a serious storm that poses a number of risks to New Zealand. It is important to be prepared for the storm and to take steps to stay safe.