Northland Faces Extended Heavy Rain Warning: Deluge Continues

White pointed out that although rain today may seem like less, there was still a risk of downpours of 25 to 40mm an hour. “We haven’t seen those very large hourly accumulations, but it’s just been very persistent and constant, and so the land hasn’t really had a chance to dry out.” White encouraged people to listen to local emergency management, follow local council advice, and make preparations like clearing culverts. Civil Defence Northland this morning urged Northlanders to take some time today to prepare for more severe weather. “It was great to see how Northlanders rallied together for last week’s heavy rain. So, we know we can do it if we need to, and spending that little bit of time now preparing can make a big difference if this weather does severely impact Northland.” They were monitoring the situation in close contact with MetService and the Northland Regional Council hydrology team. “... and are positioning resources around the region so we can respond effectively if needed.” Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper is urging people not to drive out to the battered northeast coast, where road crews were still working to clean up slips. Russell Rd is closed past Ōakura, and the road is down to one lane in many areas, with slips at Helena Bay, Mokau and Ōakura. Rāwhiti Rd, just south of Whangaruru North Rd, remains impassable after Ngaiotonga Bridge was washed out. Further south on the same road, two slips have resulted in single lane operations. Out toward Whananaki, Hailes Rd is reduced to 4WD access only due to scour across the road, and washed out shoulders, according to Whangārei District Council mapping. Couper said road crews trying to clear up the slips had to stop work every time a car came past. He urged people to stay away from the area, unless access is urgent. Couper said people should be hunkering down and keeping an eye out for the weather. Those in the hard-hit northeast coast particularly should stock up on supplies and have emergency plans ready, he suggested. “Get some supplies in, know your neighbours and supporters, have your contacts sorted out and put thought into what you would do if the worst case eventuates.” Fire crews are also at the scene of a crash at the intersection of Shoemaker Rd and State Highway 1 as of about 12.40pm. No one was trapped, however, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said they have been assisting police. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were notified of the incident but were stood down as they were not required. Police said there were no reports of injury, and the scene has since been cleared. Meanwhile, a power outage that was previously impacting more than 800 homes at Mangawhai and Hakaru has been reduced to 475 homes without power. Field staff were on their way to investigate as of about 12.30pm, after reports of a tree down on the lines. Previous outages at Whakapirau, Maungaturoto and Tangitororia have since been resolved. A Northpower spokesperson said a helicopter was used to assess the damage and plan repairs after access to Helena Bay and areas northeast of that were blocked by slips on the weekend. “Underground and overhead equipment was damaged by slips and the team were able to replace poles and repair equipment when access to the area opened up.” “On Sunday we had several crews repairing the damage to the network.” “Power was restored progressively over the day and all customers were restored on Sunday night.” Several crews will be on standby overnight due to the forecast of heavy rain over the coming days. Ōakura Community Hall, which was badly damaged by a slip on Sunday, suffered no further damage in the rain overnight on Monday and into Tuesday, said chairman Glenn “Ferg” Ferguson. Sunday’s slip filled the back of the hall with up to 60cu m of debris, clay and trees. Ferguson believed all of this material would either need to be sucked out or wheelbarrowed out the front door, although he was waiting for the hall’s insurance company to decide what could be done. The hall sits on Department of Conservation land and was recently upgraded with many hours of community labour, he said. It was “pretty heartbreaking” to see the hall so damaged by the slip, but Ferguson was confident the hall could be repaired and said many people had already volunteered to help. For now, it was a matter of “wait and see” with both the incoming weather and the insurance, he said. State, AMI and NZI executive general manager claims Stephannie Ferris as of 9am today, they had recieved around 80 claims from this weekend’s rain events in Northland across home, contents, motor, boat and commerical policies. “With more wet weather likely to affect the country during the week ahead, our teams continue to monitor and are ready to mobilise to support affected customers.” Ferris urged people to prepare for severe weather conditions. “Heavy rainfall, landslips, damaging winds and the risk of flash flooding are possible. While the impact of these storms can be devastating, we want our customers to know we are here to help.” “Our claims people, assessors, and suppliers are on standby. In the meantime, it is important people stay updated with MetService weather forecasts and follow Civil Defence for any safety alerts.” Kaipara District Council confirmed today there were no reported slips or closures thus far. “We have had our Downers contractors out inspecting and clearing culverts and drains,” a spokesperson said. “They are monitoring the situation closely. Teams for roading, monitoring, vegetation, signs and traffic management on all on standby.” Whangārei District Council is also asking people to hold off on putting any recycling out for kerbside collection due today or on Wednesday and Thursday because of the weather. • Clear drains and gutters • Secure any loose outdoor items • Move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas • Relocate stock from low-lying land, and bring pets indoors • Have essentials ready in case of power outages or road closures • 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.