Storm update: West Auckland flooding incidents

Update 12 March 9:45pm

Significant localised flooding in West Auckland as a result of today’s heavy rainfall has seen a large-scale emergency response that will continue throughout the evening.

While some properties experienced significant flooding, a lot of the water has now subsided as the stormwater network clears.

At the height of the flooding, the Fire Service received and responded to a significant number of calls. By late afternoon, all urgent 111 calls had been resolved and the majority of non-urgent calls had also been cleared.

However, there is still some concern about some sites in New Lynn, including a commercial building with a suspected burst water main running through it. Engineers have assessed Bunnings Warehouse in New Lynn and cleared it to open tomorrow.

The intersection of Clark Street and Great North Road remains closed, with cordons in place. A detour is in place between Titirangi Rd, Margan Ave, Rankin Ave and Clark St. Motorists are advised that when the intersection does open, it will be a single lane each way.

Further up the road in Kelston, 12 residents have been evacuated from a multi-dwelling residential block. Response teams have carried out needs assessments and emergency accommodation has been provided for those residents.

Needs assessments are also being carried out in other affected areas and residents are being provided with emergency accommodation, food and transport to other locations as required.

“Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management, together with emergency services, Watercare, Auckland Transport, Vector and Auckland Council’s stormwater teams, have been working around the clock to respond to areas impacted by the weather events that have affected the region since Wednesday,” says Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich.

“Auckland’s communities are very resilient and we thank everyone for their co-operation and patience during what has been a challenging few days.”

Mr Dragicevich says Auckland Civil Defence has spoken to dozens of people who have been impacted by the storms and offered assistance, but encourages anyone who may still need help to contact Auckland Civil Defence on 0800 22 22 00.

People experiencing stormwater issues, structural issues with buildings, or see trees down on public land should call Auckland Council on (09) 301-0101.

Anyone experiencing wastewater overflow or wastewater flooding on their property should call Watercare on (09) 442-2222.

Meanwhile, the worst of the weather is now over, says Mr Dragicevich.

“We can, however, still expect some showers, but nowhere near the intensity that we have experienced over the last five days,” he says.

The weather watch for Auckland has now been lifted.

Update 5:15pm 12 March

Storm update | West Auckland flooding incidents

Localised damage has occurred in the west Auckland area following heavy rainfall today Sunday 12 March.

Emergency services, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are undertaking important checks of the area.

“We are working as quickly as we can to respond to people’s needs and make sure areas are safe,” says John Dragicevich, Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director.

“Aucklanders are reminded to stay out of floodwaters as they may be contaminated, and observe cordons and follow instructions from emergency services.”

Auckland Council Building Control is undertaking building assessments and Auckland Transport is working to assess and clear roads as quickly as possible.

If you are experiencing stormwater issues, structural issues with buildings, or trees down on public land, call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

If you are experiencing an overflow or wastewater flooding on your property, call Watercare on 09 442 2222.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Update 11am 12 March

High winds are expected to hit the region later this morning, bringing further bad weather.

Aucklanders are urged to keep a close eye on weather forecasts, plan their day around the conditions and avoid travel if possible.

As a priority, Great Barrier Island residents are advised to brace themselves for extreme winds in the lead up to midday.

MetService has advised that a small low will cross over Auckland about midday today, accompanied by potentially damaging winds, a chance of tornadoes and another burst of heavy rain. A severe thunderstorm watch is in place between 8am to 2pm.

The worst of the wind and rain should occur around noon or in the early afternoon. Localised gusts of 100-120 km/hr are possible, particularly around Great Barrier Island.

This is a fast moving and very unstable system with a risk of small tornadoes anywhere across the region. Winds should ease after 2pm and remaining showers should start to clear.

What to do to stay prepared

• Secure outdoor furniture and items

• Clear any blocked gutters

• Have a torch and battery-operated radio handy in case of power outages

• Avoid travel if possible. If you must go out, drive to the conditions – look out for debris and never drive through floodwater

• Bring pets inside overnight

• Consider closing curtains if windows may be broken by trees or debris

• Look out for neighbours and check on any that need help.

If life or property is at risk, call 111.

If you experience stormwater issues or trees down on public land, call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

Council and emergency services are experiencing high call volumes so please be patient or call again later if your matter is not urgent.

Watercare urges Aucklanders to reduce water use

Water treatment at Watercare’s Ardmore plant has been slowed down to manage the amount of silt coming into the plant in water from its dams. As a result, Watercare is asking Aucklanders to reduce their water use by 20 litres (two buckets) per day.

Local roads

The following road closures are in place across the region:

• Falls Road, between Viv Davie-Martin Drive and Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

• Twilight Rd (Kimptons Road to North Road)

• Tourist Road, Clevedon

• McNichol Road, from Tourist Road intersection

• East Coast Road, Whakatiwai to Auckand/Waikato Boundary

• West Road, Clevedon

• Papakura-Clevedon Road, from Clevedon-Takanini Road to Clevedon town

• Tawa Rd, Oneroa, Waiheke Island

• Many other roads are down to one lane. Please drive with care.

• Damage to land and properties

Many other roads are down to one lane. Please drive with care.

Damage to land and properties

Properties in southeast Auckland suffered some damage and flooding as a result of Wednesday’s storm. Those affected should contact their insurance company in the first instance and rural people can contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 for additional support.

Regional parks closed

Tapapakanga, Hunua Ranges, Waitawa and parts of Waharau regional parks remain closed due to flooding impacts.

There is no public access allowed at these parks until further notice.

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