Press Release

For immediate release

28 July 2008

1600

Auckland Civil Defence asks Aucklanders to watch weather forecasts

The Auckland Emergency Management Office reminds Aucklanders to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts over the next two days.

Today the MetService issued Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain in Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Gisborne.

Currently the Auckland Region is expected to experience heavy rain and very strong winds but a Severe Weather Warning has not yet been issued for this region.

Radio Networks head weather analyst Philip Duncan said that Saturday's storm was relatively small in size but big in severity.

“This next storm won't be as intense but will cover a much bigger area, affecting most of New Zealand," he said.

While it is currently predicted that Auckland will not be the worst affected region, the Auckland Region Emergency Management Office advises people to prepare for bad weather from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday afternoon.

• Clean out gutters so they don’t block with leaves.

• Have a torch and battery powered radio ready in case the power goes out.

• Ensure there is no loose roofing material.

• Make sure there is nothing that will blow around and be dangerous in strong winds.

• Limit travel if possible.

• Listen to your radio and stay up-date with the weather situation.

For more information visit www.cdemg.org.nz or www.getthru.govt.nz.

ENDS

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