Tāmaki Makaurau weather: stay up to date and take care

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is urging Aucklanders to stay up to date with weather forecasts and take extreme care as continued storm conditions bear down on the region.

The upper North Island has numerous rain and wind watches and warnings in place, through to the early hours of Thursday morning.

AEM's General Manager Adam Maggs says that people are very aware of the building storm conditions and urges them to remain vigilant.

"We've seen our neighbours in Northland and the Coromandel battered by heavy rain all week and now that a second weather system is coming in from the tropics, we're expecting Auckland to see more impacts too.

"Keep up to date with MetService's forecasts - particularly if you're on Auckland's east coast and Hauraki Gulf islands.

"It's important to check your emergency plan is up to date, including having a plan for sheltering in place, dealing with potential power outages or what you might need to do if you have to leave your property quickly - especially if you live in an area vulnerable to flooding or isolation," says Adam.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Making sure your home and property are prepared for bad weather could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption.

"Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn't take much time and could prevent these items from becoming damaged or damaging your property.

"We're expecting some pretty gusty winds overnight and these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment.

"Rubbish and recycling bins can also be easily blown over so keep that in mind," says Adam.

"The council's Waste Solutions team advises people to put their rubbish, recycling and food scraps bins out on the day of collection, not the night before. This will reduce the potential for bins and waste being blown around our streets."

Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that may lose branches or clog drains is also important.

"Auckland Council's Healthy Waters team has been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains as part of their preparation ahead of bad weather. It's important that residents do this too.

"Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding.

"It's also a good time to check your emergency readiness supplies - just in case the power goes out or, for those in more remote parts of the region, you get temporarily cut off.

"Visit our website (aem.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for plenty of good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency," says Adam.

• Follow weather forecasts for regular updates - forecasts can change.
• Plan your travel carefully and never drive through floodwater.
  Do not walk or play in floodwater, it can be contaminated, hide hazards or contain dangerous debris.
• If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
• If you live somewhere prone to flooding, slips or power outages, ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you become isolated.
• Treat power lines as live at all times.
• Report flooding and blocked stormwater drains to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
• Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and click "Report a problem" to report trees down on public land.
• If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible.

On the roads

Drive to the conditions, stay alert, and allow extra time for your journey as the weather system moves through. Transport contractors are monitoring at-risk locations and clearing drains and culverts to ensure the state highway network remains safe and accessible.

What you can do:

• Increase following distances and reduce speed if conditions deteriorate
• Turn headlights on, even during daytime rain
• Where possible, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.

Follow journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions and Auckland Transport - at.govt.nz.

Looking after your wellbeing

For some people, anniversaries of major events like the 2023 storms, can also bring up strong memories and feelings, especially when heavy rain is expected.

The Auckland Council Group Recovery Office's Whānau Support Guide brings together wellbeing contacts, information and practical steps to support you and your whānau during these challenging moments.