A Civil Defence Centre has been opened in the Auckland suburb of Three Kings due to significant flooding across the city caused by an intense weather system that struck just after midnight.

Auckland Emergency Management says the centre will be open at the Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, from 4.30am today, April 19.

“If you need to leave your home due to flooding, and are unable to shelter with friends or family, please carefully make your way to this centre.

“The centre will offer basic shelter and support for those displaced by this weather event.”

Take with you:

• Essential items like medication and baby needs
• Warm clothing and footwear
• Food for any special dietary requirements.

If pets cannot be safely left at home, you may bring them with you, but they may need to stay in the car.

The centre is fully accessible. If you have limited mobility and require assistance to get to the Fickling Convention Centre, phone 0800 22 22 00.

WEATHER UPDATE

An intense thunderstorm and rain event has kept residents, emergency responders and council teams busy through the night.

Daylight has confirmed surface flooding across the roading network in low-lying areas and flood-damage to some properties.

Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs says this was an intense thunderstorm band that developed intensity quickly.

“These weather systems can deliver sharp bursts of high intensity rain; can arrive without much warning; and, depending on where they land, they can cause different impacts.

“Exactly when, where and how much (rain) is also extremely unpredictable. 

“Last night all these elements of a storm came together at the same time.

“Residents of Sandringham and Mt Roskill fared the worst with more than 100mm of rain recorded during the thunderstorm.

“Surface flooding around the roading network has started to dissipate.

“The council’s building inspectors will be out and about today checking houses in affected areas and carrying out rapid building inspections.”

Fire and Emergency NZ responded to more than 175 callouts and the council’s contact centre received more than 80 calls about stormwater, trees and surface flooding.

While not all of these calls related to individual household flooding, dozens of residents will be mopping out lower floors and parts of their property today.

“If you’re cleaning up this morning, take extreme care and remember that floodwater should always be treated as contaminated – you don’t know what might be in the water or what debris might’ve been collected,” Maggs says.

“If your property is damaged, take photos for your insurer before you start clearing up.

“If renting, contact your landlord, and if you think your home needs a rapid building assessment, phone the council on 09 301 0101.

“If your life or property is at risk, phone 111.”

Blocked drains and stormwater issues can be reported to the council on 09 301 0101.

Trees down on public land can be reported via the council’s Report a problem tool online.