Auckland will continue to be hit with severe weather as heavy rain and strong winds feed across the country.
Whangārei District Council and Far North District Council have each declared a State of Emergency for the next seven days, as a deep sub-tropical low moves across New Zealand causing downpours, severe gales, flooding and slips in many regions.
Here’s what Aucklanders need to know to stay safe amid the stormy weather.
Auckland has already been hit with close to a month’s worth of rain in the last 24 hours, while heavy downpours and strong winds are forecast to continue into Friday.
An orange strong wind warning is in place for nine hours from 4pm today to 1am Friday, with severe gale east to northeast winds gusting 120km/h in exposed places.
Metservice warns of possible damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, with driving – especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles – potentially proving difficult.
The heavy rain watch has been upgraded to an orange warning for the Auckland region as it gets hit with almost a day of downpours – about 50-100mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with 15-25mm per hour (mm/h) at its peak.
The warning is from 4pm today to noon Friday for Auckland south of Whangaparāoa, including the Hunua Range, and 4pm today to 8am Friday for Auckland from Whangaparāoa northwards.
Aucklanders can expect periods of heavy rain causing streams and rivers to rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions possible.
People are advised to prepare their property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds, clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Council have advised the public of the following:
The weather affecting Auckland will likely have an impact on school pick-ups and commutes home.
Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) manager Claire Howard is advising people to be safe and plan ahead.
“There may be a higher safety risk out on the roads this afternoon and into the evening, while more public transport services may be affected.
“Please drive to the conditions, allow extra time to travel, and use the AT Mobile App to check for any public transport service changes.
“If the wet weather worsens, you might want to consider avoiding or postponing travel if you’re able. And if you’re out driving and conditions suddenly worsen, consider pulling over somewhere safe and waiting out the weather before continuing.
“Drivers should also think about giving themselves plenty of time to slow down early, and to maintain a safe following distance.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is warning road users that they should expect travel to be disrupted over the Auckland Harbour Bridge this afternoon and overnight as high winds may force lane closures or short periods of full closure to ensure safety.
With the level of winds predicted, drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.
All drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway, which will advise of any lane closures and speed limit reductions.
Aucklanders have been advised to stay safe on the roads:
Please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries for information about animals affected by flooding, and advice for livestock, lifestyle block, horse and pet owners.