Properties in vulnerable coastal areas in the Ohope area will be evacuated due to the extreme risk of storm surges and coastal inundation.

Storm surge waves of up to five-metres are expected once Cyclone Cook hits the Whakatane district, which is likely to be from 6pm.

A Whakatane District Council spokesperson says all properties on West End Road and all beachfront properties on the seaward side of Pohutukawa Avenue, through to Te Akau Street, will be evacuated.

Properties adjacent to the Maraetotara Stream, Millers Stream and Wharekura Stream may also be vulnerable to storm surge travelling up the stream.

'People are advised to self-evacuate to friends or family in the first instance, or to go to the Civil Defence Centre at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall. People should take pets with them, and where possible, ensure they are contained in pet carriers.

'Harbourside streets Ohiwa Parade and Liddon Parade; and a small number of properties on the southern side of Harbour Road along the harbour edge, may also be impacted and residents of those areas are also advised to self-evacuate.

'Residents living in these areas who have neighbours who may be in need of help to evacuate are also being asked to offer assistance wherever possible.

All stream crossing points in Ohope are considered to be vulnerable and people are advised to treat them with extreme care, adds the spokesperson.”

Further evacuations are also being initiated for all campgrounds at the western end of the Whakatāne District.

These include the Department of Conservation campground in Matatā , Murphy's Holiday Camp, the Pikowai Campground, Otamarākau freecamping area and the Thornton Beach Holiday Park on the seaward side only.

'People who are in camper vans or motorhomes in the campgrounds should seek higher or sheltered ground as soon as possible but are advised to be aware of extreme wind conditions.”

The spokesperson says Awatarariki fanhead area residents living around Clem Elliot Drive are also being asked to self-evacuate.

Evacuees from these locations are advised to seek shelter with friends or family living away from the immediate coastal hazard area, or go to the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.

Heavy rain and extreme winds are likely to coincide with the storm surge, increasing the risks associated with slips from District escarpments and trees falling onto properties and across roads.

Whakatane Civil Defence urges district residents to stay off the roads during the peak of the storm impact, from 6pm tonight onwards.

Anyone not in the evacuation zones, but who feels unsafe should also consider self-evacuating to a safe location.