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Auckland Civil Defence: Storm update for Auckland region

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Storm update for Auckland region:  Warning scaled back but rainy weather continues

 

From Auckland Civil Defence:

A wet and soggy New Year has created disruption for campers and holidaymakers across the Auckland region but not caused any significant damage.

MetService has advised that up to 60mm more rainfall is expected over the weekend, north of the Harbour Bridge and about the Hunua Ranges and Great Barrier Island. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20mm/hr are expected during Sunday morning and then expected to ease.

Auckland Civil Defence duty officer Hamish Keith says the severe rainfall warning still remains in place until 9am Sunday however rainfall accumulations and intensities have been scaled back and surface flooding is still likely.

“Northern parts of the region have received 20-55mm of rain since Friday morning, with lesser amounts recorded elsewhere.

“The Fire Service has responded to approximately 30 calls for leaking roofs, downed trees and power lines.

“Auckland Council Stormwater has responded to three jobs and only one was an emergency relating to road flooding.

“We will continue to monitor the storm but have stood down our wider team and don’t anticipate needing to open the Emergency Coordination Centre,” says Mr Keith.

Localised power outages have also been experienced across the region with up to 5000 customers without power on Friday night. Currently 500 customers are without power in north Auckland and 1800 customer are without power in west Auckland. Power companies are responding to these outages.

Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich says the community and visitors to the Auckland region have responded well to the changeable weather conditions.

“With so many people enjoying summer activities across Auckland we were concerned about the potential impact of a major storm. Civil Defence, emergency services and council teams have provided support to those that have experienced localised issues.

“While it certainly has been windy and wet, we are glad that the predicted intensity didn’t quite eventuate.

“It will still be a bit miserable for the next few days so keep listening to the weather forecasts, carefully consider your camping or boating plans, and be extremely careful on the roads,” says Mr Dragicevich.

• Surface flooding is likely across Auckland through to Sunday morning.
• Low lying north facing coastal roads may experience wave splash around the 2pm high tide this afternoon.
• Localised wind damage such as power lines and trees down are still possible in exposed areas.

—ends—

 

Remember to keep a listen out while the crap weather continues for the next few days. And yes it is forecast to go fine by Tuesday when people start going back to work too!