Power outages as wild weather hits Northland

The wild weather is already starting to make itself felt across the Northland region.

Thousands of households have been without power overnight, although crews have restored service to all but a few hundred this morning..

A red heavy rain warning is in place with around 250 millimetres possible by four o’clock tomorrow morning. That includes up to 40 millimetres per hour at peak times. Thunderstorms are also likely.

MetService is warning of the threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. It says conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.

The agency is advising people not to enter floodwaters and to avoid travel. It says to act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water.

Meanwhile, Northland Civil Defence warns it is an evolving situation and people need to stay up to date with information from MetService and local and regional councils.

Group Controller Damian Pio is urging locals to make smart decisions.

“If your life, your Whanau’s life or property is in immediate danger, please call 111.

Auckland Emergency Management officials are also keeping a close watch on proceedings.

It’s reminding people to stay vigilant.

“If you live or work in areas prone to flooding, isolation or power outages, make sure you have everything you need to stay safe”.

Fire and Emergency is deploying specialist rescue teams to Whangarei and Auckland. The personnel are skilled in water rescue as well as urban search and rescue.

FENZ says it is also actively assessing the risk in Coromandel and the western Bay of Plenty and has up to 16 specialist firefighters ready to be pre-positioned. 

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says pre-deployment of resources is evidence based and is carried out in conjunction with the lead agencies Civil Defence and Police.

“Our District Commanders have been working with Civil Defence Emergency groups to ascertain where the specialist firefighters will be most needed to support our brigades and other emergency agencies.”

FENZ is advising people impacted by the predicted bad weather to stay at home but be prepared to move if required. It says if life or property is at risk, call 111.