Prepare for further bad weather this weekend

Auckland Emergency Management is keeping in touch with MetService as the current forecast brings heavy rain and wind this weekend.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain and strong winds from 8am Saturday to 1am Sunday with E-NE winds of 65-75km/h, and gusts of 90-100km/h, possible in exposed areas of the eastern coast, Great Barrier Island, and the Hauraki Gulf.

The forecast predicts there will be persistent rain, with the wettest period likely to be late Saturday afternoon and evening for all of Auckland, with locally heavy downpours possible for coastal regions north of Ōrewa.

MetService advises that the combination of rain, strong onshore winds, relatively low pressure, and high tides will likely cause coastal inundation in areas like Tāmaki Drive and the Buckland Beach area.

Auckland Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich says given the MetService weather watch, Aucklanders should be doing what they can to prepare.

“It’s been a couple of weeks now since the last storm hit and we’re still in clean-up mode. Aucklanders should check their gutters and drains, secure outdoor items and move any loose garden furniture or outdoor equipment inside.

“We advise people to make sure they have a backup supply of batteries and water, as well as general food and drink needs, in case they become isolated,” says John.

If you see damaged trees directly on or very close to power lines please report this to Vector via their call centre – 0508 VECTOR (0508 832 867).

Anyone concerned by weakened or damaged trees on public land are urged to contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

People concerned by weakened or damaged trees on their own properties should contact an arborist as soon as possible.

Tips to prepare for potential weather events and to stay safe in a storm:
• Check the MetService website or @MetService for weather updates.
• Stay well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times.
• Stay well clear of damaged or weakened trees.
• Watch out for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power lines.
• Avoid possible damage to electrical appliances (in the unlikely event there is a power surge when the power is restored) by switching off appliances at the wall
• Keep a torch and spare batteries handy and ensure that you have at least one telephone that does not rely on electricity for operation
• Ensure that an alternate fuel is always available for cooking (e.g. gas for BBQ)
• People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.
• If it’s safe to do so, check your gutters and drains, secure large outdoor items and move any loose outdoor equipment or furniture inside.
• Ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you find your property isolated.
• Check in on your neighbours to see if they need any assistance
• If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible
• Further information about flooding and blockages can be found on the council’s website.

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