Wet weather wrap – what to expect today

Auckland remains in a State of Local Emergency today and Rapid Building Assessments are underway following yesterday’s heavy rain and widespread flooding.

Despite the significant rainfall and associated declaration, emergency services coped well with yesterday’s events.

Overnight, the council received 39 requests for service – two of these were for habitable floor flooding.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand have also reported a handful of callouts this morning for flood-related matters now that people have had a chance to take stock of yesterday’s events.

Acting Mayor Desley Simpson says she has been pleased to see all of our partner agencies working together with Auckland Emergency Management and its response teams to ensure Aucklanders had what they needed throughout the course of the day yesterday.

“I would also like to thank Aucklanders for heeding the warnings, being prepared and for their patience as they navigated some tricky conditions and challenges getting home yesterday,” says Simpson.

Here are Auckland Emergency Management’s latest operational updates.

Weather update

All of MetService’s weather warnings and watches for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island were lifted last night by 9:15pm.

Throughout the day today, scattered showers and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms are still possible.

You can visit the MetService website for the most up to date weather information.

Please remember to keep away from waterways and flood waters.

Transport

Public transport services across Auckland have returned to regular operations following yesterday’s significant disruptions.

Train services have resumed across all lines, with rail buses continuing to replace trains on the Eastern Line between Ōtahuhu and Britomart due to KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild.

Buses are generally operating to their scheduled timetables, but with some services cancelled due to the ongoing bus driver shortage.

Ferry services are also operating to normal timetables this morning, with a small number of services cancelled with alternative transport options provided.

Most roads which were closed as a result of surface flooding yesterday have now reopened. For the latest list of road closures please visit here.

Civil Defence Centres (CDCs) and Community Shelters

A number of CDCs were opened across Auckland throughout the day yesterday, but few people needed to use them, so most closed last night.

There were 10 people through the Wellsford community-led centre overnight. No-one stayed overnight at Te Manawa in West Auckland.

One person was provided with temporary accommodation in the central city. In total five people (from two families) have received emergency accommodation support.

The need for CDCs and shelters will continue to be monitored, as well as community-led sites.

The most up-to-date list is available on the Auckland Emergency Management website.

Assessing flood damaged buildings

Thirty Rapid Building Assessment teams are starting to carry out rapid building assessments throughout the Auckland region this morning.

This ensures that any damage to buildings, unstable ground and any other potential hazards are identified quickly, and action undertaken to reduce any risks.

We want Aucklanders to be safe in their homes, so we strongly encourage anyone who wants an assessment to be undertaken to contact us at rbacomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Council services and facilities reopening

Council facilities are reopening to normal opening hours today, with the exception of council-operated pools and leisure centres, which opened a little later at 8am.

Some facilities have experienced flooding and so may need to remain closed or provide a reduced service. It’s a good idea to visit our pools and leisure website before you head out to make sure your local centre is open.