Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, January 27, 2023
The MetService predicts heavy rain and strong winds for Auckland over the anniversary weekend.
Wind and rain lash Auckland and Northland, causing power outages and ferry cancellations. There won’t be any ferries leaving Pine Harbour until further notice. Some North Auckland areas have been without electricity since 3 am this morning.
Harbour bridge
Waka Kotahi NZTA warns drivers crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge to be aware of strong gusts and wind. There are chances that the bridge may be closed, and commuters are advised to keep a lookout for closures. High-sided vehicles are advised to avoid the bridge and take State highways 16 and 18.
Orange Alert
MetService issues a warning that it may be worth postponing travel in the upper North Island as many Aucklanders prepare to leave the city for vacation spots.
Some severe thunderstorms are expected in Northland this afternoon, and in Auckland north of Albany until early evening. They provide a warning that this type of rainfall may result in slips and/or surface and/or flash floods, particularly close to low-lying places like streams, rivers, or constrained valleys. Surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain can make driving conditions hazardous.
For Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, Mount Taranaki, and the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, the weather forecaster has issued an orange heavy rain warning.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 3 p.m. today, and a strong wind watch is in effect for Auckland until 8 p.m.
What to do during bad weather conditions
Storms can occur at any time of year. Here’s what you should do:
Make preparations for high winds on your property. Strong winds have the potential to lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into houses. Anything that is not secured could become a projectile.
Find a safe location inside your house where you may congregate during a thunderstorm. This space shouldn’t have any windows, skylights, or glass doors. If they break, these might become dangerous.
If you have livestock, you should know which paddocks are safe. To avoid lightning risks, keep livestock away from floodwaters, landslides, downed power lines and downed trees.
Please follow this link for updates on the weather.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
