After last week’s dose of wet and windy weather, Aucklanders are getting a bit of a reprieve for Anzac Day but may see rain over the weekend, most likely Sunday. We’re reminding people to check drains and gutters again; plan travel carefully and stay up to date with weather forecasts.

Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says Aucklanders did a great job preparing for the impacts of ex-tropical Cyclone Tam and responding to the weather conditions over the Easter weekend.

“Aucklanders across the region experienced heavy rain, strong winds and flooding in places just days ago, over the Easter long weekend.

“While there’s still a high degree of uncertainty, we could see some wet weather in parts of Tāmaki Makaurau over the Anzac long weekend.

“We understand Aucklanders may be sick of hearing about the weather, but it doesn’t take long to do a few important things – a quick check of gutters and drains on your property, and a regular update on the weather forecast over the weekend,” says Adam.

Keep up to date with the weather forecast

MetService has not issued any current weather watches or warnings for the weekend as it’s too early to predict how the weekend weather will pan out. A top tip is to download the MetService app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for push notifications to your phone.

“At this stage, it looks like we’re in for rain overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning – right about the time when people may start heading home from school holidays or long weekend breaks.

“There is still uncertainty about when and where bad weather will hit, so make sure you check the forecast when planning any weekend travel or activities and check it again for any changes before you go out. Don’t forget, if you’re heading to another region, check the weather there too.

“With soil saturation levels now very high, there is always the possibility of flooding if heavy rain eventuates.

“If you’re on the roads, drive to the conditions, take care and give yourself plenty of time,” he says.

Add property prep to your weekend checklist

Taking half an hour to make sure your home and property are prepared for bad weather could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption.

“Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn’t take much time and could stop these items from getting damaged or damaging your property.

“If we get gusty winds, these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment,” says Adam.

Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that can lose branches or clog drains is a good idea at this time of year.

“Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team has again been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains. It’s important that residents do this too.

“Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding. 

“It’s always a good time to check your emergency readiness supplies – in the unlikely event the power goes out or, for those in more remote parts of the region, you get temporarily cut off.

“Visit our website (aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency,” says Adam.

Always in the know: top tips for wild weather

• Follow weather forecasts for regular updates – forecasts can change.
• Plan your travel carefully and never drive through floodwater.
• If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
• If you live somewhere prone to flooding, slips or power outages, ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you become isolated.
• Treat power lines as live at all times.
• Report flooding and blocked stormwater drains to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
• Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and click “Report a problem” to report trees down on public land.
• If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible.