Author: Ben Ross - Talking Auckland

Admin and author of Talking Auckland Blog ( http://voakl.net )

Cyclone Lusi – The Latest

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Heightened Risks Tonight for Auckland

 

From Civil Defence and Auckland Council:

Warning to stay away from beaches as weather conditions deteriorate in Auckland

 

The Auckland Emergency Coordination Centre continues to monitor adverse weather conditions across Auckland. Auckland Police are investigating a report of an 11 year-old boy possibly missing off Takapuna beach near the boat ramp.

Auckland Council Civil Defence controller Clive Manley says weather conditions are still expected to deteriorate into this evening. 

The Auckland east low tide occurred at 1.32pm. Tides are now rising and swells are forecast to become very large during the afternoon.

A seven metre swell was recorded at Marsden Point this afternoon.

Clive Manley says the main concern is the potential for coastal erosion on north-eastern beaches between 4pm and 10pm.

“People need to be very careful, especially later this afternoon and into the evening on or near east coast beaches in Rodney and the North Shore. It is best to keep away from beaches.”

The areas likely to be affected are:

  • At high risk of coastal erosion (ie properties that are very close to the beach may be affected): Snells Beach, Waiwera, Orewa, Milford, Cheltenham and Whangateau.
  • At moderate risk of coastal erosion: Stanmore Bay, Big Manly, Long Bay, Waiake, Browns Bay, Murrays/Mairangi Bay, Campbells Bay, Castor Bay, Milford Beach, Takapuna Beach, Narrow Neck, Omaha, Hatfields Beach, Algies Bay and Claris.

 

Throughout the region, there have been localised power outages, surface flooding, landslips and trees down. Around 7000 people have been affected by power outages.

The Fire Service has responded to approximately 100 incidents in the northern region. Most were in Northland but calls are now coming in from the Mahurangi and Rodney areas.

The Auckland Harbourmaster has advised that three boats had to be secured after they broke moorings today.  Fullers Devonport ferry is now operating after disruption due to sea conditions.  Due to conditions in the harbour, a ship has been redirected to shelter off the Coromandel Peninsula.

The maximum recorded wind gusts have been at Channel Island (122 km/h) and Whangaparaoa Peninsula 113km/h.

Rainfall totals as of 1430 hours  are; Northern Auckland 50mm, Waitakere Ranges 41mm, Hunua Ranges 25mm, South Auckland 25mm .

The Emergency Coordination Centre continues to monitor the region and will provide additional updates as necessary.

 

People are advised to be prepared and keep up to date with severe weather warnings and forecasts from MetService.

To keep up to date with outages, download Vector’s Outage Manager App from iTunes or Google Play. Go to http://www.vector.co.nz/outages.

Follow Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter @AucklandCDEM.

You can also follow updates from Auckland Council on Facebook and Twitter @aklcouncil.

If you have a smartphone, please download the Auckland Civil Defence App to receive instant updates. Go to www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz/Alerting/Get-the-Applications.

 

Visit www.getthru.govt.nz for detailed information on what to do, before, during and after a storm.

 

—ends—

 

Currently in Papakura it’s all bluster with no rain and the odd patch of blue sky as we go into sun down.

 

Lusi Update

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Weather Stepping Up   From Civil Defence as of 1211 hours Conditions to deteriorate in Auckland as Lusi hits The Auckland Emergency Coordination Centre continues to monitor adverse weather conditions … Continue reading Lusi Update

True Train Power

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Union Pacific Shows How to Haul a Freighter

 

If you have been ever inclined to protest because a Kiwi Rail freighter held you up then spare a thought if you were waiting for these true freighters to clear a level crossing

 

Union Pacific SD70 (their main locomotives) hauling a long train through a work area (you can hear the maintainers talking to the driver)

And that was just one SD70

 

Now for some multiple SD70 hauled freight

Just don’t have the volume too high when the train blasts by

 

And for our serious train fans here is a selection of Union Pacific locomotives of different classes in LA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N6UMn_kfCo

 

Some quick stats on the SD70 that Union Pacific uses:

SD70ACe

Kansas City Southern SD70ACe 4034 at Nichoals Yard in December 2009

The SD70ACes are similar to the SD70MAC; however, the model has been upgraded to meet Tier-2 EPA regulations. Production commenced in 2004.[1] SD70ACes are equipped with EMD’s 16-710G3C-T2 prime mover, rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW).[8] They are rated at 157,000 lbf (700 kN) continuous tractive effort (191,000 lbf (850 kN) starting). Braking effort is rated at 106,000 lbf (470 kN).[8]

Although mechanically similar to earlier SD70 units, the SD70ACe rides on a new underframe and uses mostly new sheetmetal above the frame. Electrical cables and air lines have been routed beneath the walkways on opposite sides, allowing for easy access by maintenance workers. The radiator on the locomotive is nearly as wide as the cab, the center hood section is a step down below the roofline, and the dynamic brakes have been moved to the rear of the hood; these changes are reminiscent of the SD80 and SD90 series. The SD70ACe uses the cab design of late-model SD90MAC units, which uses rectangular window glass and is externally different from the two cab variations used on earlier SD70M and SD70MAC units. In 2008, EMD standardized the isolated cab on subsequent SD70ACe’s after non-isolated cab units were restricted from leading on BNSF Railway due to excessive cab vibration. SD70ACe models are rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW). As of late, more than 1350 examples of this model locomotive have been produced. Purchasers include BNSF Railway, CSX, Ferromex, Kansas City Southern Railway, Montana RailLink, CVG Ferrominera Orinoco, Union Pacific,Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, BHP Billiton, Arkansas & Missouri Railway, and Norfolk Southern.

In January 2012, BNSF Railway announced the order of 10 SD70ACe-P4 locomotives. This engine would compete with GE’s popular ES44C4. These units will have a B1-1B wheel arrangement, unlike the ES44C4’s A1A wheel arrangement. They are set for 2013 delivery.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SD70

 

As a comparison a EMD SD70 has 4,300 horse power behind it while our DL’s have a horse power rating of 3,600.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_DL_class_locomotive

 

DL’s hauling freight

 

So next time you are stuck at a level crossing waiting for a freighter to pass by, remember you are not waiting for a long Union Pacific freighter to go through 😉

Update on Cyclone Lusi

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North East Auckland Facing Harshest Coastal Conditions

 

From Civil Defence and Auckland Council:

North-east beach communities most likely to bear brunt of Cyclone Lusi

 

Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises people to take care across the region tomorrow and extra caution on north-east coast beaches.

Weather forecasters are predicting high winds of up to 120km/h and rough seas. 

Auckland Council Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley says the two hours either side of high tide are likely to cause the most problems.

“Tomorrow’s high tides are 7.29am and 7.56pm. The morning’s high tide will be of moderate risk for some areas and the evening’s tide will bring high risk to some parts.”

 

The areas likely to be affected are:

  • At high risk of coastal erosion (ie properties that are very close to the beach may be affected) from 2pm to 10pm tomorrow: Omaha, Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Waiwera, Hatfields Beach, Orewa and Red Beach. 
  • At moderate risk of coastal erosion from 2pm to 10pm tomorrow: Stanmore Bay, Big Manly, Tindalls Beach, Matakatia Bay, Arkles Bay, Long Bay, Waiake, Browns Bay, Murrays/Mairangi Bay, Campbells Bay, Castor Bay, Milford Beach, Takapuna Beach, Cheltenham, Narrow Neck and Claris. 
  • At moderate risk of beach erosion (ie the beach could be eroded) from Saturday 7am to 11am: Omaha, Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Waiwera, Hatfields Beach, Orewa, Red Beach and Claris.

 

“We also expect the Waitakere and Hunua ranges to receive the highest rainfall, which has the potential to cause slips in these areas.”

 

People are advised to be prepared and keep up to date with severe weather warnings and forecasts from MetService.

Cyclone Lusi’s high winds and rain could bring rough seas, coastal erosion, flooding, slips, road closures, and power and phone outages.

In the event of a power outage people they should stay well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times.

To keep up to date with outages, download Vector’s Outage Manager App from iTunes or Google Play.

Check your drains and gutters are clear, and secure items such as outdoor furniture, rubbish bins and trampolines.

People are also being asked to restrict their travel and take extra care if they do have to travel.

Follow Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter @AucklandCDEM.

 

You can also follow updates from Auckland Council on Facebook and Twitter @aklcouncil.

If you have a smartphone, please download the Auckland Civil Defence app to receive instant updates. Go to www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz/Alerting/Get-the-Applications.

 

Visit www.getthru.govt.nz for detailed information on what to do, before, during and after a storm.

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Are you prepared for Lusi’s visit?

 

Ready for Cyclone Lusi

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Civil Defence is Ready. Are You

 

From the Auckland Council and Civil Defence

 

Auckland keeping close watch on Cyclone Lusi

 

Auckland’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) is preparing to manage any incidents if as expected Cyclone Lusi hits the region this weekend.

Auckland Council CDEM Manager Clive Manley says Civil Defence and key council staff are closely tracking the path of Cyclone Lusi and he advises people to prepare for severe weather conditions.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Auckland this weekend, with heavy rain and winds of up to 110km/h. People are advised to keep up to date with severe weather warnings and forecasts from MetService. 

“People need to monitor official weather warnings and forecasts and be prepared. Cyclone Lusi could well bring flooding, slips, road closures, and power and phone outages.

“We encourage people to take steps to prepare now. Check your drains and gutters are clear, and secure items such as outdoor furniture, rubbish bins and trampolines.”

People are also being warned that travel plans could be affected and these may need to be reviewed.

To keep updated, follow Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter @AucklandCDEM.

You can also follow updates from Auckland Council on Facebook and Twitter @aklcouncil.

If you have a smartphone, please download the Auckland Civil Defence app to receive instant updates. Go to www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz/Alerting/Get-the-Applications.

 

Visit www.getthru.govt.nz for detailed information on what to do, before, during and after a storm.

 

—-ends—-

 

It is going to be rough weekend for all of us. That said I am sure gardens, farmers and our dams will not mind a nice top up from the expected rain with this cyclone especially with the Waikato hydro-schemes low and in drought mode.

Remember keep up to date and delay all unnecessary travel. It might be also a good time to stock up on library books and have a few board games on hand too 😉

Right now in Papakura I have high cloud over my head with the last of the blue sky just starting to retreat south. I am ready for this event – the question is are you?