Ferocious weather has struck Auckland overnight, causing flooding in western centres and prompting Civil Defence to prepare residents in case evacuation is needed.
A Heavy Rain Warning has also been issued for Northland, for between 3pm on Tuesday and 12am Thursday.
- Do you have pictures or videos of flooding or the weather? Send them to news@newshub.co.nz
These live updates have finished.
7pm - As the day draws to an end, locals continue to share photos of flooding to social media.
Below is a series of images showing a pony club partially under water.
6:15pm - A road has been closed and another has traffic management in place due to flooding.
In Helensville, a section of SH16 is shut since there is flooding near the intersection of Bradly Rd.
And in Waimauku, there is traffic management on a section of SH16 between Wintour Rd and Factory Rd. NZTA asks motorists to drive with care.
5:45pm - Some west Aucklanders have gone boating in their back garden.
A video shared to TikTok shows two people zipping around their backyard in their floodwaters that are yet to subside.
5:15pm - A 70-year-old woman from Kumeu is the eleventh person to be rescued from their home by Surf Life Saving Search and Rescue (SAR) squads today.
Lifeguards from the Mairangi Bay SLSC SAR Squad reached the woman's property at about 2pm. They then carried her to their inflatable rescue boat and she was looked after by emergency services.
A total of 11 people were rescued by the surf lifeguards today, with another 47 people checked on or given assistance.
Search and Rescue supervisor John-Michael Swannix says it's been an incredible effort by volunteers, especially since there were added challenges due to level 4.
"I think it just goes to show the massive commitment our lifeguards have to their communities," he says.
"Even during a global pandemic, we have people putting their hand up to help others and look at the incredible difference they've made today."
4:45pm - Inspector Mark Fergus of the Waitematā Police says areas affected by flooding in west Auckland will be patrolled this evening and overnight.
"Police have been working with Auckland Emergency Management, who are leading the response, as well as other agencies to help those affected by the weather event," he says.
"We have assisted some people to leave their properties and want to reassure those people and the wider community that we will be maintaining highly visible patrols throughout the night and coming days."
Anyone who feels unsafe or whose property is in danger is asked to call 111.
Those who have been required to evacuate, or who need additional support or further information, can contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00.
4:15pm - Bus service 122 can now operate since SH16 through Kumeu is open.
Flooding still remains around Waimauku and just south of Helensville, Auckland Transport says.
Route 128 remains cancelled.
4pm - MetService says it will be a frosty night for some New Zealanders tonight - which is the last night of meterological winter.
Timaru is forecast to be the coldest overnight at just -3C.
3:40pm - Some ferry services between Pine Harbour and Auckland city have been cancelled due to severe weather, Auckland Transport says.
The services cancelled are:
- 16:40 Pine Harbour - Auckland
- 17:20 Auckland - Pine Harbour
- 18:00 Pine Harbour - Auckland
- 18:40 Auckland - Pine Harbour.
3:15pm - SH16 through Kumeu township is now fully open.
The road between Matua Rd and Riverhead Rd shut earlier today due to flooding.
3pm - This recent downpour means Kumeu has had its second wettest day on record, NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll says.
Here are some stats from the overnight weather:
- 208.2mm of rain fell from 9am Monday to 9am Tuesday
- 201mm of that fell in 14 hours from Monday night to Tuesday morning
- 149 percent of the August monthly normal rainfall fell in a single day.
"As air warms, its capacity to hold water increases at the Clausius-Clapeyron rate. That's approximately 7 percent per 1C," Noll says.
"Because warmer air can hold more moisture, this allows more evaporation from the oceans. And because of this, with climate change, we expect downpours will become more intense. More intense downpours make flash floods more likely."
2:30pm - Pictures taken at Pinotage Place and Matua Road show the extent of west Auckland's flooding.
2:10pm - NIWA weather says something called a "low level jet" contributed to Auckland's flooding.
"This fast-moving ribbon of air in the low levels of the atmosphere (1500m up) can rapidly transport moisture," they say.
A weather map they posted shows the low level jet was nearly stationary over Auckland for several hours.
1:55pm - Lisa Murray, a meteorologist and the head of weather communications at MetService, says the severe weather and flooding has been a "devastating" event for Auckland.
"The heavy rain was due to a band of rain with embedded thunderstorms which stalled over the Auckland region, and in 24 hours 150 to 260 millimetres of rain was recorded in areas around west Auckland," she says.
"Some hourly rainfall totals reached 40mm - and even an hour of rain this heavy will have a significant impact, as seen by the flooding experienced."
Murray says although climate change has been linked to increases in severe weather events, there isn't a clear connection with increasing thunderstorms yet.
"However, climate change and a warming planet mean flooding from rain events is expected to become more intense, but not necessarily more frequent," she says
"In general, more heavy rainfall will increase the likelihood of rivers flooding and flash-flooding, especially when drainage systems become overwhelmed."
1:40pm - Mitre 10 Mega in Warkworth says they are offering a temporary, short-term contactless collection service until Thursday for customers who need emergency supplies to make their homes safe and secure.
The store needs to be phoned or emailed directly to arrange this. Customers are required to follow strict protocols when collecting their emergency supplies; wearing a mask and scanning the QR code will be mandatory.
"If you are in urgent need of emergency supplies, please contact us on 09 425 8119 or info@megawarkworth.co.nz," the store wrote in a Facebook post.
"Please be patient if you don't get a response immediately, we are working as fast as we can while ensuring the safety of our team members. Please do not contact us at this time if it's not an emergency, as this will delay us helping those in desperate need."
1:25pm - Here are the key points from Metservice:
- A Heavy Rain Warning has just been lifted for Auckland after very heavy rain last night and this morning. Meanwhile heavy rain and possible thunderstorms will continue in parts of Northland until late on Wednesday night.
- High pressure centres east and west of New Zealand mean the country from Auckland southwards will have a settled start to spring, which begins on Wednesday the first of September.
- Calm conditions persists through most areas until the end of the weekend.
1:05pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, as of 10am, FENZ had responded to 370 incidents in west Auckland, mostly to do with flooding and downed powerlines. A number of households self-evacuated, she says. People needing shelter can go to the Auckland Council office at 6 Henderson Valley Rd.
Ardern repeats advice that evacuation protocols override alert level rules. The situation will mean some bubbles will need to merge.
People should ring 111 in the case of an emergency and check Metservice for weather forecasts.
Trusts Arena and the Park and Ride vaccination centres have reopened after being closed earlier due to the weather.
She understands this is "another blow" in a terrible time and encourages people to reach out for help.
12:55pm - Surf Life Saving Northern Region has just released this statement about the involvement of two clubs in the response to the weather and floods:
Lifeguards from two Surf Life Saving Northern Region clubs have been mobilised to rescue a number of residents trapped by flood waters in West Auckland.
SLSNR Search and Rescue (SAR) Supervisor John-Michael Swannix says five Muriwai Volunteer Rescue Service SAR squad members were called out around 5.30am this morning to assist two men trapped by flood waters at Tapu Road, Kumeu. Two IRBs were involved in the rescue, which saw one of the men assisted from the top of a shed, while the second man was trapped inside the shed and a window had to be broken to retrieve him.
The lifeguards were then called to three properties on Cane Road. A young man was rescued from a sleepout and reunited with his family. Welfare checks on the family and others on the street were carried out.
In a third callout, lifeguards checked on a woman and two children who were trapped on the second floor of their home on Matua Road. They have decided to wait until the floodwaters have receded.
Swannix says lifeguards are also currently doing welfare checks and evacuating residents in Joyce Adams Place and Taupaki Road.
A third team from Muriwai, consisting of four lifeguards and an IRB, and a team from Mairangi Bay SAR Squad, consisting of four lifeguards and two IRBs, have arrived in Kumeu to assist with further SAR operations.
Swannix says so far at least three people have been rescued and 10 others assisted. "Anyone who is in trouble should call 111 and ask for Police. They have a direct line to our Search and Rescue squads."
SLSNR Chief Executive Matt Williams says the SAR operation again shows the many ways in which the community call on lifeguards’ skills, even in the most restricted lockdown environments.
"Previously we’ve seen lifeguards responding to many tricky incidents like the complex rescue of a surfer in lockdown earlier this year, and outside of lockdowns they continue to be tasked to all manner of critical incidents to save members of the community.
"These volunteers are an absolute national treasure. I really commend them; they’ve been up since the early hours saving the lives of people in their community, particularly with the additional challenges around COVID-19 alert Level 4."
12:50pm - Professor James Renwick from the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Victoria University has provided comment on the weather.
"The heavy rainfall experienced in West Auckland was unusually severe, with up to 200mm or so of rain in 24 hours to 9am Tuesday morning, and considerably more outside that period. That made it the second-wettest day recorded in Kumeu, in the nearly 80 years of records there.
"Extreme events like this are becoming more common around the world as the climate warms, because warmer air holds more moisture (about 7 percent per degree of warming). So when there’s a storm, there’s more water available to fall out of the sky, so the chances of heavy rainfall go up. That doesn’t mean every storm delivers a record rainfall, but it becomes easier and easier to break rainfall records, as the climate continues to warm."
12:30pm - Here are some fresh images of flooding north-west of Auckland as well as authorities trying to rescue a horse.
12:15pm - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the floods have increased pressure on Aucklanders already affected by the lockdown.
"Flooded homes and properties have added further trauma to the lives of people already under an Alert Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown.
"Emergency services have been out from the early hours this morning providing assistance to those who have had to evacuate their homes. I want to particularly thank the surf lifesavers who assisted in the rescue of some people.
"Rain levels in some parts of west Auckland have been unprecedented, with Kumeu receiving around 200mm of rain - much more in one day than would normally occur over the entire month of August. Further rain is still anticipated before this afternoon but hopefully not at the same level of intensity.
"Most families whose homes have been flooded have evacuated to stay with family and friends but Auckland Council has opened up a shelter at 6 Henderson Valley Road, and the Kumeu Rugby Club has made the clubrooms at 2 Alexandra Street available for locals seeking shelter.
"Some families will not be able to return home until repairs are carried out and assistance will be available through council for families needing hotel or motel accommodation.
"Some roads, including SH16, may be closed for some time and people are urged not to try to drive through flooded roadways.
"Every effort will be made by emergency services to provide assistance where needed and work will take place to restore access and power where these have been lost because of the severe weather conditions.
"The one upside - a silver lining to the dark clouds - is that Hunua lake levels have risen from 64 per cent to 72 per cent full and west Auckland storage dams are overflowing."
12:10pm - Here's the latest list of roads affected:
- SH16 closed between Riverhead Rd & Matua Rd through Kumeu.
- Taupaki Rd bridge is closed in Taupaki
- Pooks Rd/Candia Rd intersection is closed in Ranui
- Bethells Rd closed by a slip west of Te Aute Ridge Rd
- Scenic Dr, reports of a slip between Mountain Rd & Piha Rd
- Township Rd, Waitakere, reports of a slip
- Wintour Rd is flooded in Waimauku
- Mountain Rd, closed by a slip between Fairy Falls & Turanga Rd in Henderson Valley
- Piha Rd, reports of a slip 2km west of Scenic Dr
- Te Henga Rd, closed by a slip near Falls Rd in Waitakere
- Whatapu Rd, closed by a slip in Huia
- Huia Rd, closed by a slip near Huia Dam Rd in Huia
12pm - According to Weatherwatch, the "bulk of the rain" has now passed over Auckland and is now out at sea.
"Still some localised downpours possible north of about Whangaparaoa. Windy easterlies remain all day with gusts to gale in exposed places, but mostly below problematic."
Metservice has lifted its Heavy Rain Warning for Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.
11:45am - Here's the rain radar snapshots for 12pm and 3pm on Tuesday:
11:25am - Dr Emily Lane, a hydrodynamics scientist at NIWA, has just provided these comments about the weather.
"Kumeu just experienced its second-wettest day since records began - with over 200 mm falling overnight. Unfortunately, intense rainstorms like this are going to become more frequent and more intense as climate change progresses. While this most recent event fell in Auckland, these heavy rainstorms could happen anywhere around Aotearoa. It is the same story that we saw in Canterbury and Westport earlier this year, or in Napier and Taranaki at the end of last year.
"The event last night happened as a double whammy because of the current CoViD-19 Level four lockdown in Auckland, which makes it especially hard. Imminent risk to life from flooding does over-ride the level four restrictions but it is sensible to do it in ways that maintain physically distancing as much as possible so that it doesn’t exacerbate the pandemic further down the track.
"These sorts of cascading hazards – where one hazard happens on top of another, potentially compounding the effects of the two – are also likely to become more common with climate change and often it is those that are already most vulnerable that are hardest hit.
"We are already locked in to some amount of warming but the future could be much worse if we don’t act now. We need to both mitigate the future effects of climate change by reducing our carbon footprint and also work with at-risk communities to help them adapt and cope with the effects of flooding and other climate change impacts in ways that are fair and equitable."
11:10am - The Insurance Council of NZ says that insurers will be there to support customers affected by the flooding no matter the alert level. It's released this statement:
"If you have been affected by the rain and floods don’t hesitate to contact your insurer, who is open and available to support you with processes in place to comply with alert level requirements," says Tim Grafton, Chief Executive ICNZ.
As an essential service, insurers are able to support critical work and make safe repairs. All ICNZ members have confirmed that processes have been established to ensure all necessary steps are taken to limit or eliminate the risk of spreading COVID-19.
"Your first step is to contact your insurer, they will then be able to walk you through what their response will be like at Level 4."
- ICNZ says that after the initial steps to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, loved ones, and those around you, there are some things you can do to help with the necessary recovery and support a smooth claim process.
- If your property is damaged, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Take photos and videos of any damage and note down the details of valuable items.
- If it’s safe, don’t dispose of anything until you’ve spoken to your insurer as it will help speed up the assessment of your claim.
- Throw away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods. Be sure to take photos of perishable or unsanitary items before you dispose of them.
- Always wear protective gear, including gloves and masks, in case you’re exposed to hazardous material. Most flood waters are sewage polluted.
- If you can, clean and dry your house and everything in it, this is because when things get wet for more than two days, they usually get mouldy.
- If you need to, make your home safe, sanitary and weather-tight but if possible don’t do non-essential repairs. Get essential services repaired and keep copies of invoices.
- Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
- Get gas and electrics checked before using any appliances.
- Be wary of wet machinery or electrical items. This means that if your car has been submerged in water don’t turn it on or attempt to drive it. Similarly, don’t use any appliances or machinery that may have been water damaged.
- For businesses affected, work with emergency services to understand how you can access your premises in keeping with lockdown restrictions so you can see what damage there has been and how you can progress the steps noted above.
With Auckland at Level 4 the process to assess the resulting damage is likely to look different than normal, with insurers likely to use a variety of socially distanced methods such as video.
"Once the rain stops and the waters recede, insurers will work closely with the emergency response teams and will follow their guidance to meet all the steps required to comply with the restrictions in place. Clearing silt, drying out houses, and getting resources and tradespeople to undertake repairs is likely to be very different at present. We expect the initial response from insurers will be to complete make safe repairs with insurers doing everything they can to help their customers as quickly as possible."
ICNZ notes that for those with homes that are uninhabitable they may be eligible for a temporary accommodation benefit included in most home and contents policies, and to ask their insurer what support they can offer.
11am - Civil Defence is rallying to support a family in Auckland's Huapai - who were forced to swim livestock into their family home.
It is understood a number of horses needed to be saved, as floodwaters overran the surrounding paddocks.
A post on social media from the affected party says they have horses, dogs, and puppies with them - crammed into the second level of their house in Matua.
Civil Defence has confirmed it is aware of the property and is doing everything in its power to help those affected.
10:40am - Police have just released a statement regarding their response to the weather overnight and on Tuesday morning.
"Overnight Police have responded to a large number of weather-related incidents across some west Auckland areas.
"Police have been working with Auckland Emergency Management and other agencies in response to these incidents.
"Through the night Police have been present throughout the area and responded to areas inundated with water, as well as assisting some people to leave their properties.
"Today Police will be continuing to support Auckland Emergency Management, who are leading the response, as well as other agencies.
"Anyone who is unsafe or whose property is in danger should call 111.
"Police are advising residents that if they are safe, they should stay in place.
"There are significant road slippages and water hazards across the Waitākere Ranges, Kumeu and Huapai areas.
"Residents should stay at home unless required to evacuate.
"The heavy rain is expected to continue into the afternoon.
"Those who are required to evacuate, or who need additional support, will be provided with information about support available to them and places to go.
"Anyone who needs further information can contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00."
10:35am - According to Watercare, the latest total dam storage data shows water levels at 71.64 percent. Early on Monday, they were sitting at 64.9 percent.
10:20am - Speaking to Newshub, Waipareira chief executive John Tamihere said the gate to the Trust Arena vaccination clinic had just opened after being closed earlier due to weather damage. The centre is now inside and a walk-in clinic rather than drive-through.
"Our infrastructure was hammered in the weather last night... the beauty about the Trusts Arena is that we have huge areas of social spacing capacity. We have had to shift all the infrastructure like chairs and the rest of it."
He said we have had "the plague, we have had the floods and now we are waiting for the locusts".
There's already a large line of people queuing up.
However, there are a number of vaccination centre staff, including those in critical roles, affected by the flooding.
9:55am - The drive-through vaccination centre at Trusts Arena in Henderson has been moved indoors and will now be a walk-in clinic. It comes after the outdoor site and tent was damaged in the overnight weather. The indoor clinic will open at about 10:30am.
9:40am - The number of roads affected by the weather has now increased, according to Auckland Transport.
- SH16 closed between Riverhead Rd & Matua Rd through Kumeu.
- Taupaki Rd bridge is closed in Taupaki
- Pooks Rd/Candia Rd intersection is closed in Ranui
- Bethells Rd closed by a slip west of Te Aute Ridge Rd
- Scenic Dr, reports of a slip between Mountain Rd & Piha Rd
- Township Rd, Waitakere, reports of a slip
- Wintour Rd is flooded in Waimauku
- Mountain Rd, closed by a slip between Fairy Falls & Turanga Rd in Henderson Valley
- Piha Rd, reports of a slip 2km west of Scenic Dr
- Te Henga Rd, closed by a slip near Falls Rd in Waitakere
9:35am - Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is sending thoughts Auckland's way.
"You guys are doing it hard. Sending aroha. Noho ora mai," it said on Twitter.
"This flooding in Tamaki Makaurau is a real blow. Aroha to our friends there
It's also a reminder emergencies still happen in lockdowns. If u need to evacuate, go. Take mask, distance & keep track of locations. BUT don't let anything delay getting u and ur whanau out safely."
9:25am - Metservice has issued a new Heavy Rain Warning for Northland for between 3pm on Tuesday and 12am on Thursday.
"Periods of heavy rain. Expect 100 to 150mm to accumulate, with the largest amounts of rain expected about the eastern hills and also about and south of Dargaville. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour, especially in possible thunderstorms.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
A Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for Auckland, Great Barrier and the Coromandel Peninsula until 4pm on Tuesday.
9:20am - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has just released a statement advising Aucklanders to drive with caution on Tuesday.
"Motorists are advised that SH16 through Kumeu remains closed due to flooding in the township between Matua Road and Riverhead Road.
"While rain in the area has eased for now, the overnight storm surge has also caused flooding in a range of other locations though out west Auckland, and those who need to be on the roads are urged to drive with caution.
"Waka Kotahi also has reports of fallen trees and slips across the wider network which pose a risk to road users.
"Our essential maintenance crews are working as hard as they can but these slips and debris will take time to clean up and flood waters take time to subside.
"Motorists are being encouraged to assess their need for essential travel and follow all updates and travel information via our Journey Planner or by following the Waka Kotahi Northland/ Auckland Twitter page.
"The weather has also caused significant impact to bus services, while some ferry services have been cancelled.
"Heavy rain warnings remain in place for Auckland and Northland which could further impact the network.
"Those who need to travel should drive to the conditions and keep their speeds down, maintain a safe following distance and stay alert."
9:10am - This rain radar shows just how slow-moving the rain band was over Auckland overnight. Metservice forecasts rain will ease later on Tuesday morning.
9am - Watercare has released it daily update on water supply.
On Monday, there was 21.5mm of rainfall in the Hunua ranges and 82.5 mm in the Waitakere Ranges. In regards to dam storage, levels rose from 64.9 percent full to 67.57 percent. Rain from Tuesday morning will be included in Wednesday's update.
8:55am - Aucklanders crossing the city's harbour bridge are being asked to take extra care due to strong wind gusts. The advice is especially important for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
8:45am - Auckland Mayor Phl Goff told Newshub the areas most affected are Henderson Valley, as well as out on the west coast around Piha and Bethells Beach, and further north in Kumeu and Huapai.
"These areas overnight got something like 90mls an hour rain and probably even now they are still getting 40. The good news is that that should dissipate later on in the morning."
Around 50 residents evacuated overnight and some homes will be uninhabitable, he said. Authorities will look to provide accommodation assistance.
"This is really tough. Alert level 4 is putting people under a lot of pressure. But then to find that your house if flooded and your car and your garage is flooded and then to have to leave your home, is pretty traumatising."
8:25am - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has told Newshub around 50 people have been evacuated across west Auckland.
A drive-through vaccination clinic at Henderson's Trusts Arena has been closed until at least 11am after being flooded overnight. Authorities are working to clean it up, Goff said.
8:15am - Bex Baddeley, the Kumeu Fire Chief, told The AM Show that "unfortunately, it is still bucketing down" and authorities are keeping an eye on areas around the local river, which she described as "quite significantly flooded".
Baddeley said appliances have been out all night attending flooding and cars stranded. She would advise anyone "who doesn't need to drive to definitely stay off the roads" with many routes blocked due to excessive water.
A jetski and an IRB from the Muriwai Surf Lifeguard service was used to help during some callouts, she said.
8am - Here's a list of roads currently affected by the weather and flooding. Auckland Transport will be updating this post throughout the day.
- SH16 closed between Riverhead Rd & Matua Rd through Kumeu.
- Taupaki Rd bridge is closed in Taupaki
- Pooks Rd/Candia Rd intersection is closed in Ranui
- Bethells Rd flooded west of Te Aute Ridge Rd
- Scenic Dr, reports of a slip between Mountain Rd & Piha Rd
- Township Rd, Waitakere, reports of a slip
7:55am - Speaking to The AM Show, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said evacuations in west Auckland mean people there can break their bubbles if necessary.
"National emergencies override those COVID rules. It is all about making sure people are immediately safe," she said.
She encourages people, where they can, to remember COVID-19 advice, such as to wear a mask or physically distance.
7:45am - Here's Metservice's rain radar snapshots for 9am and 12pm on Tuesday:
7:30am - New photos show the flooding in and around Kumeu. State Highway 16 running through the township has been closed.
7:20am - WeatherWatch has just released its latest statement, warning more flooding is possible. The rain seen overnight "is possily the heaviest, most sustained rain the city has had in years," the forecaster says.
"A storm that impacted parts of Sydney last week brought thunderstorms, gales and heavy rain to Auckland overnight - even though the low is no longer a storm," WeatherWatch says.
"The low, which has weakened substantially since reaching NZ, is pressing into higher pressure further down the country resulting in windy easterlies (known as a 'squash zone') with gusts to gale force in exposed areas through until Tuesday PM. These winds may even increase a little further today before sliding northwards.
"This morning the rainband has stalled over Auckland and after producing torrential falls overnight, it will continue to see enhanced heavy downpours this morning, meaning more localised flooding is possible.
"For the most part Auckland copes well with heavy rain events, but the rain last night and this morning is possibly the heaviest, most sustained rain the city has had in years. WeatherWatch.co.nz head forecaster Philip Duncan says the city has been in a rainfall deficit for over three years now, approaching four years.
"Thunderstorms closer to the centre of the low were impacting parts of Auckland last night and due to the slow moving set up the thunderstorms weren't rushing by as they so often do. Thunderstorms continued for hours last night before easing after midnight. An isolated thunderstorm is still possible this morning with the front stalled for a time."
7:15am - Kumeu local Jamie Weston told Newshub she woke around midnight to missed calls from her neighbour.
"I went downstairs and opened the front ranchslider and the water was right up our deck. We are in a two story house. It hadn't quite reached the carpet of our house," she said.
"It was coming up quite rapidly. The water was way over the door level of both of our utes. Our fence was floating down the road and our back new fence has been completely taken away."
She said furniture was floating around in half-metre deep water in a garage.
"We are still watching the water every hour and just hoping the rain stops. It won't be too long before it is in our house if it continues," she said.
"It is really scary. We have a young baby. Honestly, at one stage, I thought I was going to have to swim out of our driveway with the baby and the dog."
"It just looks like the sea is coming down the road."
7:05am - There are a number of ferry service cancellations due to the weather.
"Due to severe weather conditions, the following Pine Harbour ferry service are cancelled :
- 07:00 AM Pine Harbour – Auckland
- 07:40 AM Auckland – Pine Harbour
- 08:20 AM Pine Harbour - Auckland
- 09:00 AM Auckland - Pine Harbour"
7am - WeatherWatch says the front over Auckland "has stalled". This means that "rainfall will increase this morning as heavy falls continue" and localised flooding remains possible.
6:45am - Auckland Emergency Management deputy controller Rachel Kelleher has been on The AM Show. She said now that the sun is starting to come up, authorities will be able to "assess the situation more comprehensively". It's difficult to say how many properties have been affected.
Most callouts have been about flooding or people unable to access shelter. Shelter has been set up at the Auckland Council offices in Henderson - 6 Henderson Valley Rd.
"It is very serious and we will have more information as it gets lighter."
Anyone who needs assistance should contact emergency services. Any evaucation advice overrides alert level rules.
6:35am - Birdwood Rd in Swanson is one of the areas most impacted by flooding. Here are some photos from there as well as images from outside New World in Kumeu.
6:25am - Metservice has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for Auckland, the Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula for between 6am and 4pm.
"Periods of rain. Expect 60 to 90mm to accumulate in addition to rain which has already fallen. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour, especially in possible thunderstorms," it says.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
6:10am - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says that due to the flooding, State Highway 16 has been closed through Kumeu. Motorists are told to delay their journey or allow extra time for diversions.
The Kumeu New World store has also been closed until further notice due to flooding and road closures in the area.
6am - Speaking to Newshub on Tuesday morning, Metservice meteorologist Dan Corrigan said more severe weather is on its way.
"This is absolutely a significant amount of rainfall," he said.
"It is a severe weather event with the amount of rain that has fallen, especially out west, especially with in those heavy rain bursts with the thunderstorms yesterday evening and the other burst of heavy rain early this morning where 30-40mm have fallen in an hour out west near the Waitakeres.
"The rain is set to continue through the rest of the morning, so further impacts are likely to be seen on top of the surface flooding that is already happening now."
Strong winds of up to 90km/h are also forecast for Auckland over the coming hours, he told Newshub.
5:45am - In a message issued early on Tuesday morning, as torrential rain lashed the city, Auckland Emergency Management said it was aware of flooding in western suburbs and that people in areas "prone to flooding" should "be prepared to evacuate".
"If you need to evacuate: evacuation advice overrides any COVID-19 alert level requirements to stay home. Stay 2m away from others if you can. Wear a mask or face covering & bring warm clothing, essential items for yourself & your family, & medications. Stay safe."
Just before 3:45am, it said there were still reports of flooding coming in and that the "rain band is expanding into the north-west".
"Remember, do not attempt to drive through floodwaters. If your life or property is at risk, dial 111. Emergency services have been out and about checking those areas most affected."
In a statement, Fire and Emergency said it had received more than 150 calls for assistance between 9:30pm and 4am, with most related to flooding in residential properties.
"We were also called to help people stuck in vehicles. We were called to incidents right across Auckland and the North Shore, with the bulk being in West Auckland, and up to Kumeu."
5:30am - Photos and videos from west Auckland's Birdwood Rd in Swanson shows cars submerged, water lapping the top of fences and firefighters helping residents leave their properties.
