For immediate release

6 October 2016

Storm watch for Thursday evening increases

Important updates for Aucklanders

Thunderstorms are already hitting Auckland and will intensify this evening.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Auckland and Northland, advising that bad weather is expected to worsen late on Thursday evening (7pm – midnight) and bring thunder, lightning and extremely localised high wind gusts.

Auckland Council’s Head of Emergency Operations Aaron Davis says it will be difficult to pinpoint where the worst of the weather might hit so he’s advising all Aucklanders to prepare for a stormy evening.

“The weather system coming through is likely to be intense and have high impact in localised areas. This makes it difficult for us to assess which parts of the region will be hit the hardest, so it’s important that everyone is prepared.

“This comes on top of more than a week of rainy weather which has left the region saturated and vulnerable to slips.”

Mr Davis says MetService advises the potential for very damaging winds and that there is still a low risk of small tornados.

People should:

• Stay up to date with weather forecasts

• Consider staying in this evening

• Secure outdoor items, including garden furniture and trampolines

• If you must be on the roads, drive carefully and to the conditions

• Avoid low-lying areas that could flood rapidly and don’t drive through flood waters

• Report flooding and storm damage to council on 09 301 0101. In an emergency call 111.

• Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand.

Links:
MetService
Auckland Civil Defence

ENDS

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