27 Apr 2018

Aucklanders warned to brace for storm this weekend

3:05 pm on 27 April 2018

Auckland lines company Vector is urging people to be careful around fallen trees and branches this weekend, when heavy rain and winds are expected.

A fallen tree on Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.

A fallen tree on Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall

Two weeks ago, winds up to 200 kilometres per hour blew through the region, and cut power to 180,000 properties.

The storm caused widespread power outages and brought down thousands of trees.

Vector said the expected storm this weekend could cause more trees to fall, posing a risk to public safety.

Auckland should expect heavy rain on Saturday which may reach warning levels of 70mm in 12 hours.

A strong wind watch is in place and east to northeast winds are expected to reach gale force, with a possibility of severe gales in exposed places on Saturday.

Heavy rain is possible on Sunday.

The heaviest falls are expected in the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty, with a possibility of surface flooding and slips impacting driving conditions. Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.

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