With some heavy rain and strong winds on the way, Auckland Council’s General Manager Healthy Waters, Craig Mcilroy, shares some tips for how Aucklanders can prepare.

“Whenever there’s the potential for bad weather, it’s always a good idea to take steps to ensure drainage is clear to reduce the risk of flooding,” Craig says.

“This is easy to do – people just need to do their normal outdoor housekeeping.

“We recommend clearing strip drains and gutters on private property so that they’re free of any blockages that may be caused by litter, leaves, sticks and other objects.

"If there’s a cesspit outside your house, this should also be checked to make sure it’s clear.

“Taking simple precautions like these will help to reduce obstructions and minimise the risk of overflowing and flooding on your property.”