The announcement was made as another deluge is expected in the Auckland area over the next 48 hours.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told media today he had asked authorities to consider shutting schools and businesses. ‘Stay home, stay safe, and stay away from areas which might slip. And stay away from floodwaters. Follow instructions of emergency authorities,’ he said.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also asked the Ministry of Education (MoE) to consider closing schools to help keep traffic off the roads while important infrastructure was being fixed.
MoE Secretary Iona Holsted made the announcement today, as the new school year is due to start tomorrow. ‘With the possibility of further weather damage leading to more disruption, the Secretary for Education has directed that schools, kura, early learning services and tertiary institutions in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) must close for physical attendance and instruction until 7 Feb… Early Learning Services may allow the physical attendance of any child whose parent needs them to do so, in the same way that we did for Covid, but must otherwise be closed.’
Metservice rain warnings and strong wind watch
Meanwhile Metservice have issued updated weather advisories for the Auckland region and north.
- Heavy Rain Warning – Red. Period: 12hrs from 5pm Tue, 31 Jan – 5am Wed, 1 Feb. Area: Auckland north of Orewa. Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible. Impact: This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities. Issued: 3:00pm Mon 30 Jan. Next update: 9:00pm Mon 30 Jan
- Heavy Rain Warning – Orange. Period: 12hrs from 6pm Tue, 31 Jan – 6am Wed, 1 Feb. Area: Auckland from Orewa southwards, and Great Barrier Island. Forecast: Expect 50 to 80 mm of rain, especially north of the Harbour Bridge. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas in the north may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible. Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous. Issued: 3:00pm Mon 30 Jan. Next update: 9:00pm Mon 30 Jan
- Strong Wind Watch. Period: 15hrs from 1pm Tue, 31 Jan – 4am Wed, 1 Feb. Area: Auckland. Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale at times.
Severe thunderstorms for the South Island
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in place for Buller and Hurinui. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for Malborough, Nelson, Buller, Canterbury Plains and the Canterbury High Country.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the westnorthwest, and are expected to lie near Lewis Pass and Hanmer Springs at 05:00 pm and near Lewis Pass and Hanmer Springs at 05:30 pm.
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and hail.
Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines and may make driving conditions hazardous.
For up-to-date weather information, visit Metservice.com.
