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Jan 29 2023

Emergency mobile alert sent warning of heavy rain

Emergency alert sent by Auckland Emergency Management warning of the potential for extremely heavy rain to hit the Auckland region.
Auckland Emergency Management have issued an emergency mobile alert ahead of the potential for extremely heavy rain to hit the Auckland region.
The alert warned Aucklanders of MetService’s orange heavy rain warning between now and Monday. The Met Service issued an orange heavy rain warning due to an active line of thunderstorms currently sitting over the Hauraki Gulf. Between now and 7am tomorrow (Monday), this line of thunderstorms could produce localised downpours of 50-90mm of rainfall. The possibility of localised extreme downpours up to 150mm cannot be ruled out, with the larger totals likely north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Auckland Emergency Management Controller Mace Ward says, “Given recent rainfall, the ground is extremely saturated which changes how rainfall can affect the environment. The decision to issue this alert was made so people in the region can make the best decisions of how to remain safe, should this heavy rain eventuate.”
The alert asked people to stay informed, watch the forecast at www.metservice.com/warnings and avoid unnecessary travel. If you do have to travel, check the road conditions. It contained a reminder that flash flooding can happen quickly and to act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings, head to higher ground and stay away from flood water.
Check www.aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe and if life is in danger, call 111 immediately.

The forecast for today

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The deputy prime minister, Carmel Sepuloni, and transport minister Michael Woods spoke Sunday afternoon and updated on the government’s response to the state of local emergency in Auckland.

Four deaths have now been confirmed as relating to the floods after the body of a man swept away in South Auckland was found.

Sepuloni encouraged anyone needing any assistance (food, clothing, bedding, accommodation) to call the helpline at 0800 400 100. Today there will be 70-80 case managers supporting those calling the MSD helpline for assistance.

The three official evacuation centres remain:

  • Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston.
  • Massey University’s Albany Campus in the Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre (enter through Gate 1 of the Massey University East Precinct, Albany Highway SH17)
  • Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Woods confirmed that there are multiple closures on the state highway network, with detours in place, and slips have occurred as far out as Waikato and Bay of Plenty, resulting in heavy road damage. “There will be long term impact on both local roads and the state highway network.”

State highway 1 is now open with a temporary speed limit in place. As are SH3 and SH25. Work is continuing to reopen SH16.

Auckland airport is now running international flights again, but all flights will take “some days” to return to schedule.

The pair spoke from Mt Roskill, where it is currently raining, with a heavy rain watch being issued by Metservice for most of the day. Thunderstorms are also likely.

Any clean up of damaged property will likely be put on hold until the rain passes, which, according to Metservice’s forecast, may not be for another week. Here’s the Auckland central forecast as at 1.50pm on Sunday, January 29.

Sunday: Showers, some heavy. Thunderstorms possible throughout the day, with localised downpours possible this evening. Northeasterlies picking up this afternoon.

Monday: Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, easing to isolated showers in the morning. Northeasterlies.

Tuesday: Periods of rain, possibly heavy at times later in the day. Northeasterlies becoming strong in exposed places from morning.

Wednesday: Periods of rain, possibly heavy at times. Strong northeasterlies, easing in the afternoon.

Thursday: Showers. Northerlies.

Friday: Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Northeasterlies.

Helpful info:

How to clean up safely after a flood.

Information about evacuating, emergencies and available assistance.