Residents across Auckland are being reminded to stay vigilant as more thunderstorms and heavy rain has been forecasted for today.
“We have received advice from MetService that there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms are expected to be slow moving, bringing localised heavy rain and hail for some,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Fleur Aldridge.
“There is a moderate risk that these storms could become severe, generating localised downpours of 25 to 40 millimeters per hour, or possibly more.
“We are reminding Aucklanders to continue being vigilant as rainfall of this intensity can potentially lead to surface or flash flooding in low-lying areas. We also urge everyone to be cautious when driving as conditions could be hazardous with potential surface flooding and poor visibilty.”
Auckland Emergency Management have also reminded residents in Tāmaki Makaurau to continue keeping an eye on the rain radar, check that drains and gutters are clear when safe to do so, and to continue staying calm, safe, and prepared to leave should conditions become dangerous.
Metservice forecast
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland effective until 9:00pm today the 27th of February.
Welfare mission
In Karekare, a welfare mission is being planned for today, including trauma counselling, with Te Whatu Ora and Salvation Army. These experts will provide much-needed psycho-social support as requested by the impacted community there.
Power
Power has been partially restored in most of Karekare and Vector is continuing its work to restore the rest of the network as quickly as possible.
There are intermittent power outages in Piha with partial power restored.
Most of Muriwai has now been reconnected.
Helicopter deliveries
Welfare drops via helicopter will continue this week (weather dependent) to deliver water, fuel, food and other essential items.
The impacted communities have specified the items they need, deliveries to date have included fresh produce, hay bales, chemical toilets, baby food and hearing aid batteries.
Building assessments update
In just over three weeks, nearly 7000 building assessments have been completed throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
As of 10am, 27 February, our rapid building assessment figures are:
January 27 Flooding
- Red – 357
- Yellow – 1943
- White – 3179
Cyclone Gabrielle
- Red – 222
- Yellow – 302
- White – 937
There have also been homes assessed that have not required a placard.
More information on what to expect from flood-damaged buildings can be found on OurAuckland.
You can also call us on 0800 22 22 00 or email RBAcomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Printed information is also available at these libraries:
- Albany Village Library
- Birkenhead Library
- Blockhouse Bay Library
- Epsom Library
- Glen Eden Library
- Glenfield Library
- Kumeu Library
- Mt Roskill Library
- Northcote Library
- New Lynn War Memorial Library
- Rānui Library
- Remuera Library
- Pukekohe Library
- Te Manawa Library & Community Hub
- Waiuku Library
Civil Defence Centres and Temporary Accommodation
There were 16 people staying at our Civil Defence Centre overnight.
An up-to-date list of Civil Defence Centres, Shelters and Information Hubs can be found on the Auckland Emergency Management website, or viewed on this map.
MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) is working toward ensuring everyone is placed in long-term accommodation and they hope to achieve this by the end of today.
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 Service website or calling the government help line on 0508 754 163.
New Zealand Claims Resolution Service
The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS) has been launched to provide expert support to homeowners with insurance claims after natural disasters to avoid disputes, resolve issues, and ensure claims are settled in a timely manner.
Homeowners who are impacted by the January floods and Cyclone Gabrielle are advised to talk with their insurer in the first instance. If they have concerns about their claim or are unsure about the process, they can contact NZCRS on 0508 624 327, email contact@nzcrs.govt.nz, or visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz.
Transporting essential items
While some of our State Highways remain closed, trucks transporting essential provisions, such as fuel and food to Northland are having to use the smaller bypass roads.
Smaller trucks are being used to minimise the impacts, but this does mean more trips are required.
We appreciate the understanding and patience of the impacted communities during this time.
For the latest information on the repair and recovery process for Auckland roads, visit www.at.govt.nz/roadrepairs
Stay away from the West Coast
Auckland Transport continues to urge Aucklanders to avoid traveling to communities with significant road closures still in place. Access to Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Anawhata, Huia, Little Huia and Whatipū remains compromised.
A reminder that six of our regional parks remain closed due to safety and access restrictions.
Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach is also closed, with no access at Wilson Road and Coast Road.
Please continue to stay away from these areas and expect to be turned away if you are not a resident.
