Live: Auckland Harbour Bridge battered by strong wind gusts as severe thunderstorms approach city

The regions hit hardest by Cyclone Gabrielle are being drenched again with heavy rain warnings in place for Friday, with precautionary evacuations ordered in Esk Valley. 

Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are under an orange heavy rain warning until Saturday morning.

Hawke’s Bay is expected to see the most rainfall with up to 200mm, possibly more, of rain about the ranges and also away from the ranges north of Hastings. This includes the Esk Valley area and the Wairoa District which were heavily impacted by the cyclone. 

MetService is forecasting around 70 to 100mm elsewhere in Hawke’s Bay with the heaviest falls likely from 3pm Friday.

What you need to know:

• Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are under an orange heavy rain warning until Saturday morning

• Sixty-four homes were evacuated in Gisborne on Thursday night

• Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management have ordered precautionary evacuations in Esk Valley

• Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty have been issued a severe thunderstorm watch

• Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato north of Hamilton, Bay of Plenty west of Te Puke, Taihape, Wairarapa and eastern Marlborough are under heavy rain watches
• Police say the number of uncontactable people following Cyclone Gabrielle is now at 23

Civil Defence’s advice:

• Heavy rain could cause further flooding, landslides, and damage to roads in regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle
• Put safety first. Act quickly if you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater
• Have grab bags ready with: medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, and baby formula (if needed) in case you need to evacuate
• Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate
• Ensure that you have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days
• Wear protective clothing when cleaning flood water and mud including: mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes
• Stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

Follow along with Newshub’s live updates. App users click here.

4:10pm – As severe thunderstorms move across Auckland, AT has been forced to cancel two West Harbour Ferry Services.

Cancelled services: 

• 4:05pm  Auckland to West Harbour.
• 4:30pm  West Harbour to Auckland.

3:47pm – Auckland Transport (AT) echoed calls for commuters to take extra care when travelling around the Auckland region on Friday evening.

AT said roads damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle and the weekend floods remain “especially vulnerable” to the impacts of further rain.

It said there are currently 25 roads across the region closed, and added there is risk of further closures depending on the impact of impending rainfall.

AT’s full statement: 

Access to Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Anawhata, Huia, Little Huia and Whatipū remains compromised. Please stay away and do not add additional pressure to these communities by trying to visit them at this time.

Auckland Transport’s Executive GM Safety, Stacey van der Putten says:

“We are asking Aucklanders to be especially careful if travelling in areas hardest hit by the recent weather events, particularly in the Waitakere Ranges, rural Rodney and Awhitu Peninsula.

“We do not expect any significant disruption to public transport services as a result of the weather this evening. As a precaution we have reminded bus drivers to put safety first and avoid driving through floodwater, should flooding occur.

“As always, please check the weather updates, drive to the conditions and check AT’s journey planner or mobile app for the latest updates before using public transport services.”

For travel information please visit here.

For information and updates on AT’s current work to repair local roads please visit here.

3:40pm – Police say heavy rain has brought down multiple slips and caused flooding in Waitematā North.

Police are urging motorists to be cautious and consider their travel plans after several reports of slips and flooding in Mangawhai, Mahurangi East, South Head and Topuni.

“Police are urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel if possible, and if you do have to travel, please slow down and be aware of potentially impacted roads,” said a spokesperson.

Police are also encouraging Auckland commuters heading home for the weekend to “be aware” of sudden weather changes.

“[These] may affect roading networks, and people should keep up to date with the latest weather forecast for their area.”

3:33pm – MetService has detected severe thunderstorms near Orewa, Puhoi and Ahuroa.

MetService says these are moving towards the south and are expected to be near Auckland, Orewa, Albany, Dairy Flat, Whangaparaoa, Silverdale, Coatesville and Paremoremo at 4:15pm.

“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain,” MetService’s website says.

“Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.”

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:

• Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows.
• Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside.
• Get back to land, if outdoors on the water.
• Move cars under cover or away from trees.
• Secure any loose objects around your property.
• Check that drains and gutters are clear.
• Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
• During and after the storm, you should also beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

3:15pm – Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings and watches have been issued across the North Island as regions brace for impact. 

Here’s the latest on weather watches and warnings issued by MetService.

• Northland: Severe thunderstorm watch from Friday 1pm to Friday 10pm.
• Auckland: Severe thunderstorm watch from Friday 1pm to 10pm Friday. Heavy rain watch from Friday 8am to Saturday 6am.
• Coromandel Penisula: Severe thunderstorm watch from Friday 5pm to Friday midnight. Heavy rain warning from 9am Friday to 2am Saturday. 
• Bay of Plenty: Severe thunderstorm watch from Friday 5pm to Friday midnight. 
• Waikato north of Hamilton: Heavy rain watch from Friday 3pm to Saturday 6am.
• Gisborne: Heavy rain warning from Friday 9am to Saturday 4am.
• Hawke’s Bay: Heavy rain warning from Friday 9am to Saturday 10am. Severe thunderstorm watch from Saturday 4am to Saturday noon.
• Eastern ranges of Taihape: Heavy rain watch from Friday 10pm to Saturday 10am.
• Wairarapa: Heavy rain watch from Saturday 9am to Saturday 9pm.
• Eastern Marlborough south of Ward: Heavy rain watch from Saturday 3pm to Saturday 3am.

2:56pm – Beef + Lamb New Zealand says Salmonella and Leptospirosis cases are on the rise following Cyclone Gabrielle. 

Here’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s full statement: 

“Salmonella and Leptospirosis are already rearing their heads on the East Coast of the North Island following Cyclone Gabrielle,” says B+LNZ’s Senior Advisor for Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Will Halliday.

Leptospirosis lives in water and spikes of the disease are often seen after flood events, while bad weather can also increase the spread of Salmonella.

Leptospirosis can infect all mammals and sits in the kidneys and genital tract of infected animals.

People who come into contact with an infected animal’s urine are most at risk of contracting the disease, but the bacteria can also live in soil and water contaminated with animal urine.

Healthy, well-grown animals are more likely to spread Leptospirosis to people through their urine, posing a risk during milking, calving, lambing, shearing, or slaughtering and processing stock.

“All mammals can be infected by Leptospirosis and we’re currently seeing an increased number of cases in dogs,” says Halliday.

“It can enter the body through scrapes and wounds and through the mucous membranes, so It’s important for farmers to protect themselves from animal urine by wearing protective clothing, covering wounds, and washing thoroughly after handling animals.

“Free-standing water or puddles can be a source of Leptospirosis on farms – this can include puddles around water troughs where animals may have urinated.”

The symptoms of Leptospirosis include headaches, flu-like symptoms and muscle and gut pain, but can present in a number of ways.

Meanwhile, Halliday says cases of Salmonella are also on the rise.

“The best form of prevention of Salmonella and Leptospirosis is for farmers to vaccinate their animals to stop people getting sick, prevent infections and reduce stock loss,” Halliday said.

“Vet clinics in the region are up running, so farmers shouldn’t hesitate to organise vaccinations.”

2:35pm – Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is urging residents to be vigilant with further rain forecast for the remainder of Friday.

MetService issued a heavy rain watch and severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland, warning of potential periods of heavy localised downpours.

“This means there is the potential for flash flooding and further land instability,” AEM duty controller Adam Maggs said.

“We encourage Aucklanders, especially those in areas that have been impacted by earlier events, to keep an eye on the MetService rain radar and be prepared to leave if you need to.”

Maggs is encouraging anyone at risk of immediate danger to call 111.

“If you think you need to leave, do not wait for official instruction – listen to your gut instinct and go.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the heavy rain “is probably the last thing we need right now”.

“But Aucklanders are strong and resilient,” Brown said.

“Keep an eye on the rain radar and be prepared to leave. If you don’t feel safe or see floodwaters rising, don’t wait for official instruction to leave.”

2:27pm – The livestream has ended. 

1:50pm – Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management group controller Ian Macdonald will provide an update to the media as the region prepares for further rain just days after Cyclone Gabrielle battered the region.

The media conference is expected to begin at 2pm.

Watch the livestream above.

1:02pm – As Esk Valley residents prepare to evacuate pictures captured by Newshub show the clean-up efforts undertaken by locals so far. 

12:20pm – Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for residents in the Esk Valley as a precaution.

Hawke’s Bay civil defence said the evacuation notice comes into effect from 1:30pm ahead of forecast heavy rain.

“An emergency mobile alert will be issued at about 1.30pm,” said Hawkes Bay Group Controller Ian Macdonald.

Macdonald said the precautionary evacuations are based on the forecast rain and “taking the condition of the Eskdale River into account”.

“The timing is to ensure people can evacuate safely in daylight and before the impacts of the heavy rain make driving dangerous.”

Once the clock strikes 1:30pm, Macdonald said people “must” evacuate and not wait.

“Roads are likely to be affected by surface flooding or slips.”

Roadblocks will be set up around the affected area.

Macdonald added evacuees should go to whānau or friends if they can, but civil defence centres will be open if needed.

Evacuation centres:

• Flaxmere Community Centre.
• Waipawa Municipal Theatre and Pōrangahau Rugby Club are all open now.
• The Centennial Hall in Napier will be open from 4pm today.

Macdonald urged evacuees to take clothing, essential medications and anything else they may need while away from home.

“They should also switch off electrical appliances such as ovens and heaters before leaving.”

Those with pets are urged to take them too. Macdonald said a temporary animal shelter has been set up by the Ministry for Primary Industries, HUHANZ and SPCA.

Animal shelter location: 300 Prospect Rd Hasting

“Owners are unable to stay with their animals but can visit,” Macdonald said.

“Where possible, animals should arrive contained in a cage or on a lead, and owners can bring their animals’ bedding, food and toys to make the stay more comfortable.”

Those with large animals such as horses, sheep and cattle are encouraged to move them to high ground if there is access.

Macdonald said the forecast for Saturday is expected to be better and intends that people will be able to return home as soon as the threat has passed.

11:37am – Water has begun rising in a side river that feeds into the Eskdale river as rain falls in Hawke’s Bay.

Pictures captured by Newshub show much of the river cleared of debris and river water flowing steadily.

11:10am – Gisborne District Council is reminding residents they are still in an extreme water crisis.

“Demand is stabilising but we still need you to conserve water now before it runs out,” the council said on Facebook.

“Our main water pipe has major breaks and damage, and it will take time to repair. Check out this video showing the damage and devastation.”

10:53am – Police said in a statement as of 9pm Thursday the number of uncontactable people following Cyclone Gabrielle is now at 23.

“Getting in touch with those remaining 23 remains a priority for police and we are working as fast as we can, using a number of different methods,” a spokesperson said.

Eastern District police have been carrying out reassurance patrols in storm-hit areas.

In the 24 hours to 7pm Thursday, police received 526 calls for service, including nine reports of burglaries, two unlawful takings of vehicles, six thefts and 34 family harm incidents.

Thirteen people have been arrested for a variety of offences – seven in Hawke’s Bay and six in Gisborne.

Three of the arrests relate to an incident in Bay View, Napier. After 8pm Thursday, two people went to an address, one being a mongrel mob gang member, and attempted to smash their way through the property’s gates.

Police quickly attended and the two males were arrested and $17,000 in cash was located.

Police then carried out a search warrant at the address and seized four illegal firearms, cannabis, ammunition and cash.

Three men, aged, 38, 40 and 51 now face several serious charges and are expected to appear in Hastings District Court today.

Those involved are known to each other.

10:20am – MetService has updated its weather watches and warnings.

Orange Heavy Rain Warnings remain in place for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and the Coromandel Peninsula, with significant rainfall expected in areas recently affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

A Heavy Rain Watch remains in place for Auckland, northern Waikato, western Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa (including the Tararua District), while Heavy Rain Watches are now in force for eastern parts of both Taihape and Marlborough.

The eastern ranges of Taihape and Eastern Marlborough south of Ward are under a heavy rain watch until Saturday morning. Rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria in these areas, MetService said.

10:00am – Civil Defence’s latest update:

Water – Reduce use as much as possible

• Thank you for continuing to conserve water 
• Only use water for drinking, short showers/hygiene, food preparation and washing necessary clothing
• Water is safe to drink. It’s treated to NZ drinking water standards so you don’t need to boil it 
• Any discolouration is due to low reservoir levels and switching to our alternate supply, but please fill out an e-Fix Request so we can investigate any issues

Evacuation in Mangahauini River Catchment

• 64 homes in the Mangahauini River catchment and Tokomaru Bay township were evacuated last night
• Due to the forecast rain there remains an immediate risk of the failure of the debris dam upstream of the township. The ground is very unstable and saturated following the damage done by Cyclone Gabrielle
• The community was evacuated to local marae or went to stay with whanau in areas outside of the Mangahauini River catchment
• Experts are being brought in to assess the dam site and provide options that could alleviate the risk
• Roadblocks have also been set up to stop access to areas of concern around Mangahauini River catchment and Tokomaru Bay.

Warnings for city beaches and rivers 

• Please stay away from beaches with woody debris on them
• The woody debris is extremely dangerous. Our emergency services are stretched to capacity with the national state of emergency
• Waikane and Midway beaches are closed. Forestry companies are clearing debris this week
• We advise no swimming, fishing and shellfish gathering in the river or beach until Saturday. Temporary warning signs are up at recreation sites. 

Roads

• Please drive to the conditions as there is silt and debris in some parts  
• Local roads – rural network has many closures and caution is required. The Tiniroto bypass is still closed. But the Kotare Bridge in Ruakituri is fixed so access from Tiniroto to Wairoa is available 
• Crews have been stood down to rest while it’s raining today
• Still focusing on Wharekopae – one Rere bridge is fixed, working on the other. Hoping to finish by Saturday
• Mata-Ihungia link – still working on it, it will need metal before it reopens
• For state highway information go to Waka Kotahi website.
• Be aware that tomos or sink holes can appear in roads at any time so please drive carefully on all roads

For the latest Civil Defence updates go to our Facebook page (CDEMGisborne), GDC website or listen to the radio

Silt update

• People need to talk to their insurers before removing any silt. Unfortunately, this is not a Council responsibility
• Please ensure silt is dry. If silt is mixed in with other materials like green waste or other flood-damaged property, it won’t be accepted
• Residential silt disposal Open 9am – 4pm, 7 days Dunstan Road (Opposite the GDC Dog Pound)
• Rural, commercial/industry silt disposal Open 7am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
• 163 Matokitoki Valley Road, Matokitoki Clean Fill and Quarry (past the Downer’s Clean Fill site)
• We are still waiting for a disposal site for the East Coast.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Anyone impacted by the cyclone can apply for Civil Defence Payments
• MSD in Lowe Street is open and also at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae on Friday.

WELFARE CENTRES

• Te Poho o Rawiri Marae on Friday for food and information and then will be closed
• Waharoa on Peel Street (opposite the library) has mental health support for whanau, information and welfare support
• Manawaru in Elgin Shopping Centre has information for whanau and shuttle to transport people from the Elgin Community into the CBD

HELP FOR BUSINESSES

• Trust Tairawhiti Business Hub is open and connected 7 days a week 8am to 5pm for support to businesses and communities. It is located on the Esplanade, Shed 3, opposite the boat ramp. MSD and IRD are onsite 10.30 -1pm

FOOD – Please don’t buy more than you need, think of others

• MSD customers with a green card need to call 0800 400 100. Other affected whānau should go to Supergrans on 2 Pitt Street (9am-1pm daily) for a food pack.

Help for Ethnic communities

• Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council will be at Trust Tairāwhiti with translators 2pm – 4pm today. MSD and IRD will be onsite IRD assistance
• IRD at Trust Tairāwhiti, Te Poho o Rawiri Marae, Hauiti Hauora and Te Karaka 10am – 2pm.

9:30am – Advice from Civil Defence:

• Heavy rain could cause further flooding, landslides, and damage to roads in regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle
• Put safety first. Act quickly if you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater
• Have grab bags ready with: medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, and baby formula (if needed) in case you need to evacuate
• Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate
• Ensure that you have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days
• Wear protective clothing when cleaning flood water and mud including: mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes
• Stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

9:15am – MetService has updated its severe thunderstorm watch.

Northland, parts of Auckland and Great Barrier Island are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10pm Friday.

“For southern Northland, Auckland north of Orewa and near the west coast about and west of the Waitakere ranges, and Great Barrier Island, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-50mm/h,” MetService said.

“The main risk is between about midday and 10pm Friday, but the risk could start on Great Barrier Island this morning (from 9am).”

Parts of Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty have been issued a watch from 5pm until midnight Friday.

“For parts of Auckland south of Orewa and east of the Waitakere ranges, Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty from about Tauranga northwards, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-40mm/h,” MetService said.

The main risk of severe thunderstorms in this area is between about 5pm and midnight Friday.

The thunderstorm activity should ease overnight.

9:10am – Hawkes Bay Emergency Management is planning for the precautionary evacuation of the Esk Valley this afternoon, in anticipation of the forecast heavy rainfall later today. 

Here’s an update from Hawkes Bay Emergency Management: 

Controller Ian Macdonald some residents in the Esk Valley had moved back after the cyclone while others had not returned home to live but were at their property cleaning up. 

The decision to evacuate would be made later this morning, taking into account the updated rainfall predictions and advice from the Regional Council’s hydrologists. 

“We will give people plenty of notice so they can leave in good time while the roads are not likely to be affected by surface flooding,” Macdonald said. “People do not need to wait for an official order to leave. If they feel unsafe at home, they should move early.”

If the need for evacuation is confirmed, the order will be broadcast direct to cellphones in the area through an emergency mobile alert and shared through radio, TV and online media, as well as on the Hawkes Bay Emergency Management Facebook page. 

Details are being confirmed about which civil defence centres will be open for people who need to evacuate from Esk Valley and don’t have alternative accommodation with whanau or friends. Those details will be updated this morning.

Macdonald said the hydrologists were also closely monitoring the Wairoa River and their current assessment was that the river should be contained within its existing channel. 

8:00am – Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told AM “it’s absolutely bucketing down” and was pouring overnight.

She said at this stage, they are not considering any other precautionary evacuations.

Stoltz is reminding locals to make sure their gutters are clear.

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker said it rained heavily overnight.

She said evacuation centres are available for people if they are feeling safe but right now officials are watching the weather carefully and putting plans in place.

Walker urged locals to be careful on the roads.

7:00am – On Thursday evening, a precautionary evacuation was underway in Tairāwhiti Gisborne for 64 homes in the Managahuini River catchment and Tokomaru Bay township.

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Controller Ben Green said with the rain forecasted there is an immediate risk of the failure of the debris dam upstream of the township.

“The incoming rain amplifies the risk given the ground is very unstable and saturated following the damage done by Cyclone Gabrielle,” Green said.

Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are under an orange heavy rain warning until Saturday morning.

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in force for Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula until 10pm Friday.

“There is a moderate risk of localised severe thunderstorms producing downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h from just before dawn through to Friday night,” MetService said.

“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.”

Auckland including Great Barrier Island and Waikato north of Hamilton and Bay of Plenty about and west of Te Puke are under a heavy rain watch from Friday until Saturday morning. While Wairarapa, including the Tararua District, has been issued a heavy rain watch for Saturday.