Update #2: 29 May 2024, 4:40pm
Auckland has already experienced a wet and windy afternoon of thunder, hail and wind, with more gusty winds set to continue overnight. The message from Auckland Emergency Management is to plan ahead for the impacts of high winds and possible power outages.
Auckland Emergency Management Acting General Manager Adam Maggs reminds Aucklanders to keep an eye on the forecast, changing weather conditions and relevant travel and transport updates.
“More wind is still to come. Messy weather systems like these are hard to predict and we still expect the effects of these gusty winds to be felt across the region overnight.
“Strong winds can shift branches, signs and other items around very easily, so please take care of yourselves and each other if you are travelling home or heading out this evening.
“Take a moment to plan your journey before you go, drive to the conditions, watch your speed and avoid unnecessary trips if you can. If you need to move around Auckland, look for updates from Auckland Transport and NZTA Waka Kotahi on any impacts to the roading network, public transport services and potential Auckland Harbour Bridge closures.
“At home, think about what’s outside that could move around in strong winds. If trees come down and the power goes off, treat power lines as live and refer to your energy provider’s website for updates,” says Mr Maggs.
- Public transport customers can check AT’s Journey Planner or the AT Mobile App for updates – the transport network is largely running to schedule
- Stay up to date on the latest state highway Information with the NZTA Journey Planner.
- Secure outdoor items and furniture, and think about windblown debris if out and about, signs, branches, fences, etc.
- Trees down on public property can be reported to Auckland Council via its website
- Report stormwater blockages or other public drainage issues to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
Around the region today
While there have certainly been impacts across Auckland today, most things have been managed under business as usual conditions by the council and response agencies.
Since 9.30am this morning the council’s Healthy Waters team and contractors have responded to 46 requests for service for stormwater blockage and rain-related matters, which is a little higher than a standard day but fairly normal for a rainy day.
Arborist teams have also responded to requests in a business as usual fashion, with 65 jobs logged in total and just over half of them classified as urgent or critical. Contractor crews are out responding in order of priority. Most of the larger tree failures have been in the southern part of the region.
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Update #1: 29 May 2024, 11:50am
Aucklanders should plan ahead for windy afternoon and evening
MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Strong Wind Warning (orange) for Auckland, including Aotea Great Barrier, for this afternoon, evening and into the early hours of Thursday morning.
Auckland Emergency Management Acting General Manager Adam Maggs urges Aucklanders to plan ahead for a windy afternoon and evening.
“Forecasters expect very gusty conditions across the Auckland region so it’s important that Aucklanders plan ahead.
“While we’re not telling people to go home immediately, it is important to keep a close eye on any updates to the weather forecast and plan travel very carefully.
“This means keeping up to date with advice from Auckland Transport and NZTA Waka Kotahi on any impacts to the roading network, public transport services and potential Auckland Harbour Bridge closures.
“If you are out, drive to the conditions – watch your speed and if you don’t need to be on the roads this afternoon or evening, you can help avoid any pressure on transport networks by staying in or delaying your trip.
“High winds can bring trees down and affect power services, so if you’re in an area prone to power outages, now is a good time to make sure you have a plan in place to do without power for a short period of time.
“Trees down on public property can be reported to Auckland Council via our website, and phone us on 09 301 0101 for stormwater blockages or issues,” says Mr Maggs.
MetService meteorologist Georgina Griffiths says Aucklanders are in for an extremely windy afternoon and evening.
“We expect winds to peak this afternoon and evening with wind speeds significantly higher than those we have seen this morning, and expect gusts to become more frequent too.
“We’re also seeing bursts of thunderstorms, however these will be fast-moving with brief periods of heavy rain and the wind conditions are of greater concern,” she says.
Public transport customers are encouraged to check AT’s Journey Planner or the AT Mobile App for updates today. To stay up to date on the latest state highway information, check the NZTA Journey Planner.
