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Auckland Civil Defence has urged Aucklanders to be on high alert due to the severe thunderstorm warning to the north of the Waikato, pointing to the potential for hazards such as flash flooding, dangerous driving conditions and fallen power lines and trees.
The MetService said Aucklanders could expect more than 50mm of rain in the next six hours, or 100mm in the next 24 hours, over an area of about 1000sq km around the Auckland area.
Auckland Civil Defence emergency management group controller Harry O'Rourke said people should use the warning as an opportunity to check their emergency survival kits.
The kits should include three days of food and water, a battery-powered torch and radio with spare batteries, a first aid kit including medication and supplies for pets, he said.
People should also check drains and spouting and clear any blockages.
Drivers should watch their following distance and keep their headlights on.
Coromandel residents are being urged to be alert for severe thunderstorms, rapidly rising river levels and surface flooding as heavy rain hits the region today and overnight.
Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management group controller Scott Fowlds said civil defence and Environment Waikato (EW) council staff were monitoring the impact of the rain on waterways.
"People on the Coromandel need to stay alert for problems such as rapidly rising river levels, surface flooding and greasy roads. They should keep up to date with news reports and MetService warnings in case the situation changes."
Mr Fowlds said EW had an extensive flood management system in place.
"EW will be ready to implement tried and true flood management procedures should they become necessary."
Heaviest rain was expected later in the afternoon and overnight, and there were expected to be accompanying thunderstorms.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were in place for north of the Waikato region and EW was monitoring the situation to see if a similar warning was required in its area.
- NZPA
