28 Apr 2018

Aucklanders told to prepare ahead of this weekend's weather

8:45 am on 28 April 2018

Those still recovering from this month's earlier storm are being told to prepare as wet and windy weather is expected for much of the country this weekend.

No caption

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Severe weather watches and warnings are in place for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, as well as Dunedin and North Otago.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said while the weather isn't expected to be as strong as this month's earlier storm, people should expect loose branches and debris to blow around.

"Not a similar event, from a different direction and not as strong, but it is persistent and will last quite a while.

"But really, it's the rainfall accumulations up there - right from Northland and Auckland which are on a watch, but could be upgraded to a warning as we get closer to the event," she said.

There are warnings already in place for Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, with rain expected to hit those areas on both Saturday and Sunday, she said.

Auckland Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich said given the MetService weather watch, Aucklanders should be doing what they can to prepare.

"It's been a couple of weeks now since the last storm hit and we're still in clean-up mode. Aucklanders should check their gutters and drains, secure outdoor items and move any loose garden furniture or outdoor equipment inside.

"We advise people to make sure they have a backup supply of batteries and water, as well as general food and drink needs, in case they become isolated," said Dragicevich.

The South Island is also expected to receive heavy rain with a front moving up the country overnight on Friday and into Saturday, she said.

Heavy rain could reach warning levels of 40mm in a 12 hour period.

Both Dunedin and the West Cost will have a wet few days, Murray said.