Auckland Emergency Management is asking Aucklanders to be vigilant, with further rain forecast for the remainder of today.
“MetService has advised that there is a heavy rain watch and a severe thunderstorm watch in place for Auckland today, with potential periods of heavy localised downpours. This means there is the potential for flash flooding and further land instability,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Adam Maggs.
“We encourage Aucklanders, especially those in areas that have been impacted by earlier events, to keep an eye on the MetService rain radar and be prepared to leave if you need to.
“If your life or property is in immediate danger, call 111. If you think you need to leave, do not wait for official instruction – listen to your gut instinct and go.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urges Aucklanders to remain calm and vigilant, as the region braces for more heavy rain and potential flooding following new severe weather alerts.
“This is probably the last thing we need right now, but Aucklanders are strong and resilient. Check on friends and whanau, and reach out to those who have already been impacted by severe weather events and need our help most,” says Mayor Brown.
“Keep an eye on the rain radar and be prepared to leave. If you don’t feel safe or see floodwaters rising, don’t wait for official instruction to leave.
“Check that drains and gutters are clear, but only if it’s safe to do so.
“Stay calm, stay safe, and be prepared.”
MetService forecast
- MetService has issued an updated Heavy Rain Watch for Auckland, including Great Barrier Island effective until 6:00am Saturday.
- An updated Severe Thunderstorm Watch has also been issued for Auckland, north of Ōrewa, west of Waitākere ranges, and Great Barrier Island effective from 9:00am Friday until 10:00pm Friday.
- MetService has also issued an updated Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Auckland, south of Ōrewa and east of Waitākere ranges effective from 5:00pm Friday until midnight Friday.
A complex trough of low pressure remains over the North Island for the next few days before moving away to the south late Saturday, bringing rain with heavy falls, and possible thunderstorms with downpours.
People are strongly urged keep up to date with the latest forecasts, in case changes are made, or further areas are added.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Priority communitities
Auckland Emergency Management and its partner agencies continues to support our priority communities, including Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach and Muriwai.
To prevent further pressure on the key infrastructure and in support of the affected communities, road closures will be in place in Piha and Bethells from today.
Piha Road will be closed to everyone other than residents and emergency services from midday today (Friday) by a cordon at Lone Kauri Road.
Bethells Road will be closed to all road users from 7.30am to 5pm today so the section of the road that has been washed out can be repaired. It will reopen for residents for about 15 minutes from midday. This closure will continue at the same times throughout the weekend until the work is completed.
These cordons will be staffed 24/7 until the roads are reopened and all non-residents are once again asked to stay away.
Civil Defence Centres and Temporary Accommodation
As more people get settled into longer-term temporary accommodation, the demand for our Civil Defence Centres and Shelters has subsequently reduced.
Three further CDCs will close from 5pm today (Friday). These are:
- Hub West, 27 Corban Avenue, Henderson
- Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre, 66R Mascot Avenue, Māngere
- Colin Maiden Park, 71-73 Merton Road, Glen Innes
From 5pm this evening, there will be four civil defence centres, shelters and info hubs open across the Auckland region. An up-to-date list can be found on the Auckland Emergency Management website.
AEM, along with its partner agencies such as MBIE and Kāinga Ora, are continuing to work together to ensure everyone is moved to temporary accommodation that suits their needs.
Those affected by the Auckland floods who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register with MBIE now by visiting the Temporary Accommodation website: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz or calling the government help line on 0508 754 163
Building assessments update
In just over three weeks, 6,941 building assessments have completed across Tāmaki Makaurau.
As of 11am, 24 February, our rapid building assessment figures are:
January 27 Flooding
- Red – 357
- Yellow – 1,943
- White – 3,179
Cyclone Gabrielle
- Red – 219
- Yellow – 289
- White – 933
There have also been homes assessed that have not required a placard.
For detailed guidance on what coloured placards mean visit: ‘What to expect from flood-damaged buildings’.
Printed information will also be available at libraries from today, Friday 24 February.
- Albany Village Library
- Kumeu Library
- Blockhouse Bay Library
- New Lynn War Memorial Library
- Mt Roskill Library
- Epsom Library
- Pukekohe Library
- Waiuku Library
- Northcote Library
- Birkenhead Library
- Glenfield Library
- Remuera Library
- Rānui Library
- Te Manawa Library & Community Hub
- Glen Eden Library
Shot Tower
Work on the demolition of the historic Shot Tower in Mount Eden is well-underway. The middle tube going through the tower has now been removed and focus has now shifted to the removal of the rest of the frame.
Regional Parks
Six of our regional parks remain closed until Wednesday 1 March due to safety and access restrictions.
Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach is also closed, with no access at Wilson Road and Coast Road.
