Storm-battered Aucklanders face chilly night, thousands still without power

April 11, 2018

Critics say Aucklanders were left unprepared when the storm hit

Storm-battered Aucklanders are in for a chilly night with overnight lows of six to seven degrees expected and Civil Defence is urging people to check in on the vulnerable. 

Several hundred power outages are affecting 93,000 homes and businesses, though around 90,000 homes have had their power restored since the worst of the storm last night.

Some people have been without power for almost 24 hours, meaning cold water, food hygiene issues and a chilly night without heating, said Civil Defence director John Dragicevich. 

"If you live next to someone who may be vulnerable, please pop over and check on them," he said tonight. 

People who can't call on family or friends for help can call Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for advice and assistance, If your life is at risk phone 111.

As well as low temperatures, Metservice predicts south to southwest winds will strengthen after 8pm tonight, gusting up to 90km/h over open waters.

Another burst of heavy, possibly thundery rain and wind is forecast to cross Auckland from 9pm tomorrow and a severe weather watch is now in place for the Auckland region and Great Barrier Island. 

There is an expected low of nine degrees tomorrow.

Some residents are left without homes following the incident

The expected gusts with the second event are likely to be at lower intensity than seen last night.  

Auckland Council's call centre has received 1070 calls relating to downed trees since Tuesday and Fire and Emergency New Zealand has received 1200 calls as a result of the storm.

Western Springs park circuit walk is closed and has been cordoned off due to significant damage to the park from the storm.

A number of trees have come down at the park and will need to be removed while other trees have dangling and unstable limbs that will pose significant risks to the public until they are removed.

Trains and ferries are operating as normal following  storm-related disruptions earlier in the day.

Avondale, Mangere Bridge, Mt Roskill, Otahuhu, St Heliers and Titirangi libraries are closed until further notice and all mobile libraries are not operating and several pool and leisure centres were closed today by power cuts.

Meanwhile in the central North Island, officials are assessing the damage in National Park Village following yesterday's tornado.

A number of properties have been condemned and it may be some time before other residents can return home.

A sudden cold snap has also added to the problems in the area.

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