More heavy rain expected in Auckland after severe flooding caused by 149 percent of August rainfall in just 1 day, New Zealand

Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds are again in the forecast for New Zealand, just a week after the Auckland region received 149% of the August rainfall in just one day.

A front is moving east across the far northeast of the North Island tonight (Tuesday, September 7, 2021), bringing a period of heavy rain to the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and inland Gisborne and a Heavy Rain Watch remains in force for this area, NZ MetService said.¹

A second front followed by a cold southwest change will move north across the South Island tonight and the North Island during Wednesday, September 8.

This cold southwest flow is forecast to bring snow to low levels across the lower South Island, with the heaviest snow possible in southern Fiordland which remains under a Heavy Snow Watch.

Snowfall is also expected to affect many higher roads and passes and may cause stress to livestock.

In addition, southwest winds may rise to severe gale behind the second front as it moves across Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and northern Waikato during Wednesday afternoon and a Strong Wind Watch remains in force for these areas.

Meteorologists are advising people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

West Auckland was hit by severe flooding on August 31 after 201 mm (7.9 inches) or 149% of the region's average August rainfall fell in just 14 hours.

Rapid Building Assessments undertaken by Auckland Council’s Regulatory team have identified that almost 80 homes suffered significant damage.²

The assessments, which were undertaken by a team of 90 building consenting and regulatory compliance staff, have to date resulted in:

• Four homes receiving a red placard – this means that re-entry is prohibited because it is no longer habitable or has suffered significant structural compromise and is unsafe due to safety concerns. A red placard means further investigation and remedial work is required before the property is safe to occupy.
• 74 receiving a yellow placard – This means there is restricted entry to part of the building, that there is enough damage for the council to have concerns about the building’s performance, but not enough to prevent entry entirely. For example, it might mean that electrical systems have been compromised but the rest of the house is safe.
• 106 receiving a white placard – This means the property may have minor damage, but it has been deemed to be sufficiently safe and inhabitable and that no council follow-up is required.

The numbers of placards are expected to change over time as further assessments / remedial work is conducted.

References:

¹ Severe Weather Warnings & Watches Issued at 8:03pm Tuesday 7 Sep 2021 – NZ MetService

² Auckland August flood: Around 80 homes significantly damaged in last week’s storm – Auckland Council

Featured image credit: Auckland Council