Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is warning Aucklanders to be prepared for incoming intense rainfall this weekend.
MetService has issued heavy rain watches for Auckland, Northland and Coromandel as "an active front associated with a subtropical low" sweeps over from Saturday night.
The forecaster has also put strong wind watches in place for Northland and Auckland including Great Barrier Island.
From Sunday until next Friday, WeatherWatch is warning areas including Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Nelson and West Coast could get "at least one month's worth of rain".
Auckland's east coast, including Whangaparaoa and Aotea Great Barrier, is expected to be hit with the most intense rainfall and wind, AEM said.
AEM general manager Paul Amaral said following the weather updates it is important Aucklanders have a plan in case the worst happens.
"MetService is tracking the potential impacts of a subtropical low expected to affect the upper North Island from the very early hours of Sunday morning and through to Monday," Amaral said in a statement.
"We urge Aucklanders to keep an eye on weather forecasts this weekend, and if you live in an area prone to flooding or isolation, make sure you've got a plan to secure your property, shelter in place if you need to or know what you might need to do if evacuation is required.
"We're expecting high winds and rain for some areas of Auckland, so remember in a storm consider your travel plans carefully, never drive through flood waters and phone 111 if your life is in danger."
At this stage, AEM said they couldn't predict whether Civil Defence Centres will be needed.
"If there is a need to support people evacuating from their homes, we will stand up centres where they are needed," Amaral said.
"If you're unable to shelter in place, or with whānau and friends, check AEM's website and social media channels to see whether Civil Defence centres have been stood up."
Waka Kotahi NZTA advises drivers to be cautious when driving around the Coromandel Peninsula from Sunday morning.
"Many locations on the Coromandel network are still compromised following this year's storm events and drivers need to be aware that heavy rain will increase the vulnerability," Waka Kotahi Waikato's journey manager Liam Ryan said in a statement.
"There are two different weather systems expected to hit the Coromandel. First one on Sunday with another potential front on Wednesday next week. Two periods of heavy rain in close succession will affect catchments and ground conditions."
Drivers should expect surface flooding around the usual spots in Hikuai and at Wades Culvert in Whitianga. There may also be deterioration at existing slip sites or the formation of new slips.
Waka Kotahi said it is well prepared to respond to any issues that arise.
Here's Auckland Management's advice:
Preparing for bad weather
- Check your drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked. These can cause flooding issues during heaving rain.
- Secure outdoor furniture and items in your back yard
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Take extreme care if you are driving in heavy rain, and delay trips if possible. Do not drive through floodwaters.
- If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
- Looking out for neighbours, friends and family will also be important, especially if you live, work or travel in an area that is prone to flooding, slips or power outages
- Fallen trees, blocked drains or debris on public property can be reported to Auckland Council using our online ‘Report a Problem’ tool.
- If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible
If out and about in a storm
- Always drive to the weather conditions and never drive through floodwater
- If you get stuck in a flood, get out of your car and move to higher ground immediately, taking great care in the floodwaters.
- Never play in or walk through floodwaters unnecessarily, you may encounter unseen objects, dangerous debris or holes.
- If driving at night, drive slowly, especially through flood-prone areas as you may encounter flooding at short notice.
- Never attempt to drive over slips and treat power lines as live at all times.
- Check on neighbours and family, especially if they are in at risk areas or might be affected by flooding or slips.
Pets and livestock
If you live on a rural property, think about your livestock rotation, especially if areas of your farms are flood-prone.
- If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you – if you can do so safely – or take them to a safe shelter place.
- If you have to leave your animals behind, make sure they’re in a secure and sheltered place either inside or outside your home.
- If you have livestock or horses in paddocks near waterways that have the potential to flood (streams, rivers etc.), move them to higher ground. Make sure your stock have access to clean feed and water in their new contained space until they can be returned to their paddocks.
- If you need more detailed guidance, check the animals affected by emergencies factsheets on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
