The upper North Island, including Auckland and Waikato, is in for a very wet and windy few days heading into the Easter holiday break.
Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says preparation and planning are key to ensuring that the weather doesn’t put too much of a dampener on the holiday weekend.
“We’ve enjoyed a relatively settled, long and dry summer, but this weather system well and truly signals a seasonal change.
“As we head towards the long weekend, we’re urging Aucklanders to do a few important things to prepare their homes and properties for some wild weather, and to factor the forecast into their weekend plans,” Maggs says.
Keep up to date with the weather forecast
“MetService has issued strong wind and heavy rain advice for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island, Northland and Coromandel.
“Make sure you check the forecast when planning any weekend travel or activities and check it again for any changes before you go out. Don’t forget, if you’re heading to another region, check the weather there, too.
“A bit of rain has softened ground conditions over the last week so we could start to see some surface flooding if heavy rain eventuates.
“If you’re hitting the road this Easter, please make sure you drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take care,” he says.
Add storm prep to your holiday checklist
Setting aside half an hour to make sure your home and property are prepared for bad weather could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption.
“Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn’t take much time and could prevent these items from becoming damaged or damaging your property.
“We’re expecting some pretty gusty winds later on Wednesday and Thursday and these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment.
“Rubbish and recycling bins can also be easily blown over, so keep that in mind,” he says.
“The council’s Waste Solutions team advises people to put their rubbish, recycling and food scraps bins out on the day of collection, not the night before. This will reduce the potential for bins and waste being blown around our streets.”
Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that may lose branches or clog drains is also important at this time of year.
“Autumn brings leaf fall,” says Maggs. “Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team has been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains as part of their seasonal checks and preparation ahead of bad weather. It’s important that residents do this too.
“Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding.
“It’s also a good time to check your emergency readiness supplies – just in case the power goes out or, for those in more remote parts of the region, you get temporarily cut off.
“Visit our website (aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for plenty of good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency.”
- Follow weather forecasts for regular updates – forecasts can change.
- Plan your travel carefully and never drive through floodwater.
- If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
- If you live somewhere prone to flooding, slips or power outages, ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you become isolated.
- Treat power lines as live at all times.
- Report flooding and blocked stormwater drains to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
- Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and click “Report a problem” to report trees down on public land.
- If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible.
