Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has declared a State of Local Emergency for Auckland in response to torrential rain, with widespread flooding and thunderstorms affecting the Auckland region.
MetService New Zealand has issued a number of Thunderstorm Warnings for Auckland throughout the day and a watch remains in place.
Civil Defence Centres and Shelters are now open for those needing to evacuate or seek shelter. For the most up-to-date information visit the Auckland Emergency Management Website.
Auckland Emergency Management Deputy Controller Rachel Kelleher says that Aucklanders on their way home should take extra care.
“With the intense rainfall earlier today, and more forecast on the way in the next few hours, travelling conditions will likely be treacherous. So, we are encouraging everyone to take extra care if out on the roads.
“There is also the possibility that people will arrive home to damaged or flooded properties, so make sure you are aware of the locations of our CDCs and shelters if needed.
“If you need to evacuate, seek shelter with friends and family and take important items with you.”
Transport and evacuation
Auckland Transport are urging Aucklanders to take extreme care when travelling today and delay all non-essential travel. Heavy rainfall is causing significant disruptions and delays to public transport services.
Plan your travel carefully, with widespread flooding across Auckland likely to impact the afternoon and evening commute. If you can travel earlier, please do.
Buses
Buses are being severely affected by heavy traffic, especially in the City Centre. Due to traffic conditions and flooding on the North Shore the NX1, NX5, 95 and 97 services are being particularly hard hit, with very long queues at City Centre bus stops.
AT is encouraging passengers wanting to travel to the North Shore to shelter in the city until queues ease.
Trains
Trains are currently suspended across the rail network except between Otahuhu and Papakura on the Southern Line, and between Otahuhu to Manukau on the Eastern Line.
Ferries
There are also a range of disruptions and cancellations affecting our ferry services, with some services having to turn away passengers because they are at capacity.
Visit the Auckland Transport website for the latest information.
Civil Defence Centres open
Civil Defence Centres and Shelters are now open for those needing to evacuate or seek shelter. For the most up-to-date information visit the Auckland Emergency Management Website.
All locations can be found at www.aem.org.nz
Other important information
Anyone needing flooding assistance should call 0800 22 22 00. Please call 111 if your life is in danger.
Read more about MetService watches and warnings here.
Preparing for bad weather
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Take extreme care if you are driving in heavy rain, and delay trips if possible. Do not drive through floodwaters.
- If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
- Looking out for neighbours, friends and family is also important, especially if you live, work or travel in an area that is prone to flooding, slips or power outages.
- Fallen trees, blocked drains or debris on public property can be reported to Auckland Council using our online ‘Report a Problem’ tool.
- If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible.
If out and about in a storm
- Always drive to the weather conditions and never drive through floodwaters.
- If you get stuck in a flood, get out of your car and move to higher ground immediately, taking great care in the floodwaters.
- Never play in or walk through floodwaters unnecessarily, you may encounter unseen objects, dangerous debris or holes.
- If driving at night, drive slowly, especially through flood-prone areas as you may encounter flooding at short notice.
- Never attempt to drive over slips and treat power lines as live at all times.
- Check on neighbours and family, especially if they are in at risk areas or might be affected by flooding or slips.
Tornado tips
There is also a possibility of tornado conditions but, as always, it is hard to pick where the greatest risk is and almost impossible to predict where a tornado might appear, so remember:
- If you see a tornado, seek shelter immediately.
- If you’re inside, stay away from doors and windows, and stay downstairs if you’re in a multi-storey building.
- For added protection, get under something sturdy, cover your body with a blanket or mattress and protect your head with your hands.
- If you’re outside, lay flat in a gully, ditch or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms.
- If you’re in a car, pull over and shelter in a low spot (not under or near the car).
