Flooding at Whakapara on Tuesday. Photo / Susan Botting
Northlanders already battered by days of heavy rain are being told to brace for another onslaught of torrential downpours today.
The region is under an orange heavy rain warning until 1am tomorrow with MetService saying there is a high chance it will be upgraded to a red warning.
MetService meteorologist Braydon White said Northland was potentially in for a significant event as a tropical low may bring up to 160mm of rainfall.
The next wave of downpours comes after a state of emergency was declared in the Whangārei District yesterday, which will last an initial seven days.
Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell, who was in Northland yesterday assessing the damage, said declaring a state of emergency triggered extra powers, such as the ability to evacuate people, but also made residents more aware of their own safety.
Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper made it clear the decision was a precautionary move, given the damage already inflicted on the district’s east coast – especially in Ōakura, Whangaruru, Punaruku and surrounding areas – and the weather forecast.
“Other parts of the district could also be impacted and arrangements need to be put in place to ensure people are safe in the areas of concern.”
Couper said a state of emergency was rare for the district and that people should take the situation seriously.
“Keep safe and look after your mates.”
Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council were keeping an eye on the weather but had not felt the need to make a similar declaration.
Civil Defence Northland spokesman Zachary Woods said people should be prepared to stay at home for some time – even without power.
He recommended people have a grab bag full of essentials ready to go and to stay up to date on the latest weather and road closure information.
People in the hard-hit northeast coast were encouraged to stock up on supplies and have emergency plans ready.
Other advice was to know your neighbours, have emergency contacts sorted and have a plan in place for the worst-case scenario.
Some residents had already found themselves in harrowing situations.
One man reported hiking 45 minutes to Mōkau Marae in Ōakura after he was woken at about 4.30am on Saturday by floodwaters that had risen around his cabin.
The force of the river stopped him from being able to open his cabin door – so he climbed out the window and into chest-high water.
From there, he hiked to the safety of the marae, where hot showers and beds were available for those in need.
The marae has Starlink, solar power and space for up to 100 people to sleep.
Civil Defence Northland was monitoring the unfolding situation closely with MetService and the Northland Regional Council hydrology team.
It said resources were being positioned around the region so it could respond effectively if needed.
In terms of power, Northpower has used a helicopter to assess the damage to its network and to plan repairs.
Several of its crews are on standby because of the heavy rain forecast.
Whangārei District Council has asked residents not to put any recycling out for kerbside collection on Wednesday and Thursday because of the weather.
• Clear drains and gutters
• Secure any loose outdoor items
• Move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas
• Relocate stock from low-lying land and bring pets indoors
• Have essentials ready in case of power outages or road closures
• Have a grab bag and evacuation plan ready and be prepared to stay at home, without power, for several days in case roads are closed.
• If at any time you feel you or your whānau or property are at immediate risk, call emergency services on 111.