Key Takeaways
- Northland is bracing for more severe weather, with persistent and constant rain causing flooding and slips
- Civil Defence and local councils are urging people to prepare for the worst and take necessary precautions
- Road crews are working to clear slips, but some areas remain inaccessible, and people are advised to stay away unless access is urgent
- Power outages have been reported, and field staff are working to restore power to affected areas
- The community is coming together to support those affected, with many people volunteering to help with cleanup and repair efforts
Introduction to the Severe Weather Situation
The Northland region is experiencing severe weather, with persistent and constant rain causing flooding and slips. Despite the rain seeming less intense than in previous days, the risk of downpours of 25 to 40mm an hour remains, and the land has not had a chance to dry out. MetService and the Northland Regional Council hydrology team are monitoring the situation closely, and Civil Defence Northland is urging people to take precautions and prepare for the worst.
Preparations and Warnings
Civil Defence Northland is encouraging people to listen to local emergency management, follow local council advice, and make preparations such as clearing culverts. Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper is urging people not to drive out to the battered northeast coast, where road crews are still working to clean up slips. He advises people to stock up on supplies, have emergency plans ready, and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. The community is also being encouraged to come together to support those affected, with many people volunteering to help with cleanup and repair efforts.
Road Closures and Access Issues
Several roads in the region are closed or restricted due to slips and flooding. Russell Road is closed past Oakura, and the road is down to one lane in many areas, with slips at Helena Bay, Mokau, and Oakura. Rāwhiti Rd, just south of Whangaruru North Rd, remains impassable after Ngaiotonga Bridge was washed out. Hailes Rd is reduced to 4WD access only due to scour across the road and washed-out shoulders. Road crews are working to clear the slips, but people are advised to stay away from the area unless access is urgent.
Power Outages and Response Efforts
A power outage that was previously impacting over 800 homes at Mangawhai and Hakaru has been reduced to 475 homes without power. Field staff are working to investigate and restore power to the affected areas. Northpower has used a helicopter to assess the damage and plan repairs after access to Helena Bay and areas northeast of that were blocked by slips on the weekend. Several crews will be on standby overnight due to the forecast of heavy rain over the coming days.
Community Response and Support
The community is coming together to support those affected by the severe weather. Oakura Community Hall, which was badly damaged by a slip on Sunday, suffered no further damage in the rain overnight on Monday and into Tuesday. The hall’s chairman, Glenn "Ferg" Ferguson, believes the hall can be repaired and is confident that many people will volunteer to help. Insurance companies are also urging people to prepare for severe weather conditions and are ready to mobilize to support affected customers.
Preparation and Safety Tips
To prepare for severe weather, people are advised to clear drains and gutters, secure any loose outdoor items, move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas, and relocate stock from low-lying land. It is also essential to have essentials ready in case of power outages or road closures and to have a grab bag and evacuation plan ready. If at any time you feel you or your whānau or property are at immediate risk, call emergency services on 111. By taking these precautions and staying informed, people can help keep themselves and their communities safe during the severe weather event.