Te Huarere Taikaha Severe Weather
Severe weather often affects Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland can include strong winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes or tropical cyclones, coastal flooding, and rough seas. Storms can happen suddenly and cause serious damage, disrupt services, and put your safety at risk.
The storms in January 2023 caused major damage in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland , with high winds and heavy rain closing roads and cutting power to many homes. These events show how dangerous severe weather can be and remind us to be prepared.
Preparing for Severe Weather
- Know your risk: Use our hazard map to check how vulnerable your area is to severe weather events, such as flooding, coastal surges, or wind damage.
- Prepare your property: Trim trees, secure loose items like outdoor furniture, and clear gutters to prevent blockages.
- Create an emergency plan: Plan with your household where to shelter during storms and what to do if you need to evacuate.
- Have emergency supplies: In an emergency, you may be stuck at home for three days or more. Figure out what supplies you need to stay safe and comfortable. Include things like water, food, a torch, batteries and a first aid kit.
- Prepare grab bag: A grab bag is important if you need to evacuate quickly. Unlike your emergency supplies, which are meant for staying in one place, a grab bag has the essentials you’ll need to take with you.
- Stay informed: Follow weather forecasts and emergency alerts to stay updated. Keep your phone charged in case of power cuts.
- Stay indoors: Protect yourself from wind, rain, hail, or lightning by staying inside and away from windows.
- Follow official advice: Listen to emergency services and follow their instructions. Leave immediately if told to evacuate.
- Avoid floodwaters: Do not walk or drive through floodwaters as they can be dangerous and contaminated. Even shallow, fast-moving water can knock you over or move vehicles.
- Check for damage: After the storm, check your home for damage and report any losses to your insurance company. Be careful of broken glass, fallen power lines, and damaged structures.
- Clean up safely: Wear protective clothing and avoid contact with floodwater.
- Stay alert: More storms may follow. Keep checking weather reports to stay prepared.
Types of Severe Weather
- Severe Storms: These bring strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, causing power outages, flooding, and damage to buildings.
- Strong winds: High winds can damage roofs, knock down trees, and send objects flying, creating dangerous conditions.
- Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms can bring lightning, heavy rain, and hail. They can form quickly and cause flash flooding and local damage.
- Tornadoes: Rare in Auckland, but they can cause serious damage with very high winds.
- Coastal storm surges: Strong winds and high tides can cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
- Tropical cyclones: These bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges, causing severe damage and flooding.
Storms are a combination of many different hazards occurring at the same time. This factsheet outlines the essential actions to take during a storm. There is added guidance factsheet on what do during a thunderstorm or tornado.
Know your risk: Use our hazard viewer to explore potential risks for different locations. These maps are for information only, updated regularly, and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.