East Auckland appears to have largely escaped the worst of the damage Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted to parts of the North Island.
Strong winds and heavy rain were felt across the community from Sunday afternoon.
A large tree fell onto Priestley Drive in Bucklands Beach, blocking one lane, and had been chopped up and removed from the road as of Tuesday morning.
Part of Whitford Road in Somerville was closed on Tuesday morning, as was Mellons Bay Road in Howick due to a branch having broken off a large tree on Stockade Hill.
The Government on Tuesday morning declared a National State of Emergency to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty signed the declaration at 8.43am.
Over the weekend, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) established a Civil Defence centre at the Fencible Lounge, beside Howick Library, in Uxbridge Road, for people who needed to evacuate their homes.
People who needed to evacuate to the centre would have been provided with stretcher beds, blankets, food, water, access to welfare support agencies, and psychosocial support.
A community-led centre was also opened at Beachlands School in Bell Road.
It was able to provide people with shelter, food, hot and cold drinks, toilets, a power generator, water, medical assistance and first aid.
AEM’s update on Tuesday morning said strong winds were being experienced across the region and were expected to continue until Wednesday.
The heavy rain warning had been lifted for the Auckland region, the organisation said.
“There is significant surface flooding affecting roads across the region.
“Take extra care and do not drive through flood waters.
“Make sure you have enough food, water and medicines for the next few days.
“Keep your phone charged and have a torch nearby.”
