Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson has thanked Aucklanders for their efforts in the Big Auckland Cleanup and is encouraging residents to continue to take steps to get prepared for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle from Sunday.
“I’m grateful for way people have come together, helped each other out and shown resilience in the face of what is set to be another significant and impactful event for Tāmaki Makaurau,” said Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.
She noted this event was likely to be different to the storm two weeks ago, with more wind and coastal surges forecast. It is important people follow advice on the best ways to be prepared.
The Waste Solutions team and the New Zealand Defence Force have been out today finalising kerbside collections across the region. Residents are asked to stop putting further flood-damaged items out, and instead store and secure them from strong winds until collections can resume.
Deputy Mayor Simpson urged residents to ensure they have emergency plans and supplies in place before tomorrow, including for if there are power outages, and referred them to the getready website for advice.
“Think about your whanau, friends, pets and belongings – and prepare to leave if you need to,” she said. “Please ensure you only buy what you need for a few days.”
People should also talk with their employers to make plans for working through Cyclone Gabrielle, and ensure they’re receiving up-to-date information from schools, kura and early childhood care providers.
Auckland Emergency Management is setting up a number of Civil Defence Centres and Shelter Sites across the region for people who may need to leave their homes.
The Deputy Mayor concluded by thanking everyone who had been involved in preparing the region for the event and urged people to look after themselves and one another.
Key information
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle
- Based on current information, MetService advises the Auckland region can expect to feel the first effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from Sunday night, with the most severe weather impacts expected on Monday and Tuesday.
- Current modelling shows that despite a slight eastward shift in the track of the system, there will still be significant impacts on the Auckland region. More detailed information regarding the tracking of the cyclone and localised effects will be available on Sunday.
- Wind will be a significant issue, with forecasted gusts of up to 140 km/h or possibly higher from Monday. This combined with the saturated ground conditions may cause the downing of trees and powerlines, and travel routes may be impacted.
- Significant rain is expected across the region, including up to 90mm forecast for Sunday for Aotea Great Barrier Island and north Auckland, and up to 200mm across the region across Monday and Tuesday.
- Dangerous sea conditions, with heavy swells north of Whangaparoa from Monday into Tuesday. Sea surges on the east coast may eventuate depending on how the cyclone tracks.
How Aucklanders can prepare
- We’re asking everyone to take action now, before the bad weather arrives.
- The GetReady website is a great resource for people to check out, with lots of information and tips for how people can prepare for a storm.
- Think about your whānau, pets and belongings – be prepared to leave if you need to and have enough supplies to sustain yourself for up to three days.
- If you are reliant on prescription medication, it is worth ensuring you have enough supplies to get you through next week.
- Contact your GP if you’re concerned about health issues. If you rely on electricity for medical devices, stay in touch with your health provider and your electricity provider and arrange a back-up power supply or contingency plan.
- Take action at home before the bad weather arrives:
- Tie down all loose items in your backyards and around your property or take them inside. That includes trampolines and outdoor furniture.
- Clean out your spouting and check for loose roofing iron and tiles – fasten it down before the storm
- Check in with whānau, friends and neighbours and see who needs a hand If you can, please take any flood-damaged items to one of our 15 drop off facilities before Sunday and refrain from putting any additional items out on the kerb for collection
- We’re asking Aucklanders to pitch in by ensuring kerbs and drains on and around properties are clear of debris before Sunday evening if it safe to do so – or report them to Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00.
Once the storm hits
- Stay off the roads. That reduces your risk of being trapped by flooding or by fallen trees and powerlines.
- Don’t drive or ride through floodwater – it’s hard to judge the depth or see hidden objects and you risk being swept away or your vehicle stalling.
- Our biggest request is once the storm begins is to please help us get to the people who need us most. This means only calling 111 if life is at risk – for example if you or others are trapped and need rescue – if there is a fire – if there is a landslide – if you need to evacuate and you can’t get out safely by yourself.
- We always give priority to calls where life and safety is at risk. Please keep our 111 phonelines free for the people who need us urgently.
Red and yellow placarded buildings
- If your house has a red “entry prohibited” placard, it is essential that you stay away from your property for your safety and the safety of your family. Further instability is highly possible as a result of the expected weather event.
- If your house has a yellow “restricted access” placard, it’s important that you follow the restrictions given on the placard and seriously consider avoiding any entry for the duration of the event at least.
- There is the potential for new landslides to occur and for existing landslides to reactivate.
- If your house is next to properties that have a placard, if you see any signs of instability, or if you’re concerned about the stability of the land around your house, we recommend you are extra cautious during this event.
- Landslides often show warning signs before they occur. Common signs include new cracking or movement of the ground, new cracks appearing inside the house, unusual sounds such as trees cracking, pavements sinking, or new debris on or around your house.
- If you are concerned about landslides, consider finding alternative accommodation during heavy rain.
Cyclone Gabrielle Shelters and Civil Defence Centres
Auckland Emergency Management has identified a number of sites that will be opened if they are needed for people needing refuge from Cyclone Gabrielle.
- Shelters: provide a place to be safe while the worst of the weather passes. Blankets and hot drinks will be available but shelters aren’t equipped for extended stays.
- Civil Defence Centres (CDCs): are equipped to provide you with a safe place to eat, sleep and access essential support services.
- The addresses of the centres have been published on www.aem.org.nz.
Preparations underway
- Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters operations teams and contractors are working hard to maintain the region’s stormwater network while preparing for more severe weather.
- Work continues clearing hot spots and blockages around catchpits and inlet grilles and removing debris from streams and waterways.
- Auckland Emergency Management continues to respond to thousands of requests for service since last month’s floods.
- Civil Defence Centres and Community Support Hubs remain open in Henderson, Māngere, New Lynn, Birkenhead and Randwick Park. For advice or assistance, you can also call 0800 22 22 00.
Auckland Transport
- Auckland transport is urging all Aucklanders to keep up to date with road closures and public transport information via at.govt.nz and the AT app.
- Fifteen roads remain closed and AT are publishing an extensive list of vulnerable roads on their website.
- AT and Waka Kotahi will be monitoring wind conditions before making any decisions around Harbour Bridge restrictions or closures.
- Barriers and signage are there to protect you and others, please respect any road closures.
