Media Release
For immediate release
Friday 4 December 2009

MetService issues heavy rain warning

The Auckland Region Emergency Management Office reminds Aucklanders to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and exercise caution over the next 12 hours.

The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Auckland region and there is a possibility of flooding, rising rivers/streams and hazardous driving conditions.

Harry O’Rourke, Group Controller for the Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, advises people to take the following simple precautions to minimise the impact of this weather.

“It is a good time to check your emergency survival kit and update your household emergency plans. Make sure your battery-powered torches and radios are working and check the expiry dates on all food in your emergency survival kit,” said Harry.

An emergency survival kit should have:

* Food and water for 3 days or more
* Battery powered torch and radio
* First aid kit / medication
* Supplies for pets

At home:

• Check drains and spouting and clear any blockages.
• Ensure a torch and spare batteries are to hand.
• Stay up to date with weather forecasts on TV, radio and the internet.

On the road drivers are urged to exercise caution:

• Headlights on.
• Drive to the conditions.
• Keep a safe distance from the car in front.
•
For more information please visit:

www.metservice.co.nz
www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
www.getthru.govt.nz

Background information:
Heavy Rain Warning criteria

MetService will issue a Heavy Rain Warning when there is an expectation that the following weather condition will occur within the next 24 hours:

• Widespread* rainfall greater than 50 mm within 6 hours or 100 mm within 24 hours;

*"Widespread" means over an area of 1000 square kilometres or more.

ENDS

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