Floods

Flooding is Auckland’s most common natural hazard. Nationally, it is the number one hazard in terms of frequency, losses and declared civil defence emergencies.

Floods are usually the result of continuous heavy rainfall overwhelming the capacity of natural or designed drainage systems but can also be caused by coastal inundation or even tsunami. They become dangerous if:

Water is very deep or travelling very fast
Floodwaters have risen very quickly
Floodwater contains debris, such as trees or building materials.

Floods can cause injury and loss of life, local evacuations, damage to property and lifeline utility disruption. They can isolate communities, cause stock loss and contaminate waterways.

Weather systems are monitored by MetService. MetService is responsible for issuing weather advisories and warnings.

HOW TO PREPARE

What do I need to do to be ready?

Check the Auckland's Hazards Viewer to find out if you live, work or play in an area prone to flooding
Decide what to do if access to your house is cut off or if your house is at risk of flooding, plan to evacuate. If your house is not flooded, it might be better to stay at home
Make a plan, including planning and practicing evacuation routes. The plan should show you the safest routes to higher ground or to your community’s place of safety. If you live in a flash flood area you should have several alternative routes. All members of the household should know where to meet each other, where to evacuate to, and what route(s) to take if you have to leave
If you rent your property, ensure you take responsibility for informing guests of the relevant risks on what to do and how to stay safe
If flooding is expected, enlist some helpful friends to help you move your furniture upstairs
Bring outdoor belongings such as patio furniture, indoors
If flooding is expected, consider using sandbags to keep water away from your home.

Be prepared to evacuate quickly if it becomes necessary, follow your emergency plan, take your emergency bag and pets with you if it is safe to do so
Surface flooding, restricted visibility and slips are possible during severe weather; avoid driving unless absolutely necessary
Be aware that cars, caravans and tree branches float and can become flood debris that causes damage
Do not try to walk or drive through floodwater
Move valuable or dangerous items as high as you can off the floor or out of the flood zone.

Start clearing out and drying your home when rain stops and water recedes
Floodwater may be contaminated, throw away any food and drink that may have been in contact with floodwater including canned goods
Clean up carefully and take care around remaining floodwater
Take photos for your insurer of any items you throw away.