February 13, 2023
Full force of Gabrielle yet to hit
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says the council has channelled some of its Māori outcomes funding to iwi and Māori community groups who are helping people affected by flood and storm damage.
The Ministry for Social Development has also sped up its response.
Mr Brown says the current bad weather is just a precursor to Cyclone Gabrielle, and people need to prepare for something different to the heavy rains of two weeks ago.
“The wind’s involved a lot this time so that means power outages. There’s a lot of power outages up north and that will happen down here. It’s mostly to do with trees. Trees come down, bang, over goes the wire and outthey go. So don’t be lulled into a false sense of security – it hasn’t happened yet,” he says.
Meanwhile, Auckland Transport is urging people to avoid all non-urgent travel today and tomorrow.
Safety manager Stacey van der Putten says reduced speed limits are in force ionthe Harbour Bridge because of severe wind gusts, and closure is possible.
People are urged to look for debris and fallen trees on the road, and to drive to the conditions.
Likely flood areas are the Wairau Valley, Tamaki Drive, Fanshawe St around Victoria Park and Fred Thomas Drive.
People needing to travel should check the AT website at at.govt.nz/weatherwatch for regular updates on road closures and public transport