Storm warning for Auckland region:

New Year holidaymakers, please be prepared

Auckland Civil Defence is urging campers, holiday makers and boaties to keep an eye on the weather forecast over the next few days as heavy rain and high winds are forecast.

MetService has advised that heavy rain is expected in Auckland from Friday morning (1 January) through to Saturday evening, particularly affecting areas north of Whangaparaoa and Great Barrier Island. Wind watches are in place for the whole Auckland region.

Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich says Auckland Civil Defence is taking a precautionary approach – and so should campers and holiday-makers.

“Be prepared and check weather forecasts regularly – that’s our best advice for the next 48 hours.

“Heavy rain warnings and wind watches mean there is potential for flooding and damage so campers and holiday makers should check and secure their camping and outdoor equipment, and be ready to move quickly if required.

“Boaties should also be prepared, listening to the radio and checking moorings.

“Whilst this is a precautionary warning, there is some nasty weather coming and we urge people to be prepared to act quickly if the storm gathers more momentum,” he says.

Rainfall of this amount and intensity can cause flooding, especially about low-lying areas. People camping in low lying areas are urged to be very vigilant as streams and rivers may rise rapidly.

Surface flooding is likely across Auckland with some flooding potential where downpours occur south of Whangaparaoa and on Great Barrier Island.

Low lying coastal roads, such as Tamaki Drive west of Ngapipi Road, may be affected by wave splash around high tide on Friday afternoon.

Surface flooding may make driving difficult so if you must travel, please drive to the conditions. Gusty easterly winds may cause powerlines and trees down to fall.

During and after a storm
- Stay up to date with weather forecasts.
- Ensure you are aware of low lying areas that could flood rapidly
- Report flooding to council.’
- Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand.

Forecast

• From early Friday to Saturday evening, up to 150mm of rain may accumulate in Auckland north of Whangaparaoa.

• South of Whangaparaoa, 50 to 80mm is likely over the same period.

• Rainfall intensities could reach between 25 and 35mm/hr in downpours.

• Rain is expected to be heavier at times with breaks in between. Heaviest rain is expected late Friday morning/early Saturday afternoon, overnight Friday and on Saturday evening.

• Easterly winds are expected to build during Friday morning with gusts of up to 100km/hr possible in exposed places.

• East coast high tide is expected to peak at 3.0m at 1.18pm on Friday. Due to storm surge NIWA expects this tide to reach 3.44m.

ENDS

© Scoop Media