Cyclone Gabrielle is on its way, and likely to hit the country on Sunday. In the north and central North Island, the weather could be severe as the cyclone makes its way down the island early next week.

While it’s unclear at present whether its path includes the Wairarapa, it may bring very strong winds and some heavy rain.

Are you prepared? Three things you can do this weekend are:

* Tether all loose material around your house

* Check gutters, culverts and waterways for debris to avoid flooding

* Keep an eye on MetService forecasts

It’s also a good idea to ensure you have food, drink and medical items stocked up, and ensure you stay away from low-lying areas and rivers that are prone to flooding.

Contact the Council at 06 3069611 if there are issues and dial 111 if the situation is more urgent. Our Facebook page will carry more information if the situation develops.

For more information about how to prepare for an emergency, check out the resources on the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) website.

For more information, check out the resources at http://wremo.nz/