Storm warning for Auckland region: Easter holidaymakers, please be prepared

Auckland Civil Defence is urging Aucklanders to keep an eye on the weather forecast, secure outdoor items and drive with caution as heavy rain and high winds are forecast for the start of the Easter holiday weekend.

MetService has advised that severe weather is expected across the entire Auckland region from 2am to midday on Thursday (24 March).

Rain will be patchy until 7pm tonight (Wednesday 25 March) and will then get heavier, increasing to a rate of 5-10mm/hr. After 2am rain rates may increase to 10-20mm/hr. The heaviest rain is expected around 5am tomorrow morning with downpours of 25-40mm/hr possible.

A severe weather warning, for wind gusts of 120 to 130km/hr, is also in place. Winds will build from 3pm today, gusts over 100km/hr are possible until 11amtomorrow morning. The greatest risk period is from 9pm tonight with gusts up to 130km/hr possible.

High tide tomorrow morning is at 9:05am. Along with the expected bad weather, this may cause significant wave run up along the Eastern Bays, inundating low-lying areas and causing some disruption on the road network.

Auckland Civil Defence Head of Emergency Operations Aaron Davis says Auckland Civil Defence is monitoring the situation and strongly advises people to prepare for a very wet and windy start to the holiday weekend.

“We are expecting the region to be lashed with heavy rain and high winds in the lead-up to the Easter weekend.

“This means there is potential for flooding and damage so we urge people to secure outdoor items such as furniture and garden equipment, and keep a close eye on weather reports.

“The storm also coincides with high tide which may cause disruption, especially with wave run-up in Auckland’s eastern bays area – like Tamaki Drive.Thursday morning commuters may need to plan alternate routes into the city.

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

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

Impact
- Heavy rain may cause localised surface flooding.
- Low-lying roads may be subject to wave splash and inundation.
- Strong winds may bring down powerlines, trees and damage roofs.
- Traffic disruption is to be expected.
- Localised slips may be possible.

During and after a storm
- Stay up to date with weather forecasts
- Secure outdoor items
- Drive with caution and if possible, avoid low-lying coastal roads
- Ensure you are aware of low lying areas near you that could flood rapidly
- Report flooding to council.
- Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand.

Links
MetService
Auckland Council

ENDS

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