Historical emergencies

Westland District SOLE lifted. No transition to recovery

A local state of emergency for Auckland was declared on 9 May due to severe weather. The state of emergency ended on 11 May when notice of a local transition period was given.

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence declared a state of local emergency due to the severe impacts of ex-tropical Cyclone Hale

On Wednesday 23 March, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence declared a state of emergency for the region due to severe weather. The severe weather caused flooding that required evacuations. Also on 23 March, MetService upgraded their Orange Heavy Rain Warning to a Red Heavy Rain Warning for the region. Rain eased over the course of the week.

Many parts of New Zealand experienced heavy rain and severe gales as Ex Tropical Cyclone Dovi crossed New Zealand. The severe weather caused flooding, slips, downed trees, road closures and disruption to power and cellphone services.

A state of local emergency was declared for the Buller District on 2 February 2022 owing to severe weather expected to cause flooding in Westport.  Westport residents were advised to self-evacuate to friends and family outside Westport if possible and a mandatory evacuation order was issued for parts of Westport on 4 February 2022. The impacts of the severe weather were not as bad as initially expected and evacuated residents were allowed to return home on the morning of 5 February 2022. A second state of local emergency was declared for Buller District on 10 February 2022 owing to further rain impacts on the district. The state of local emergency was lifted at 4:15pm on 21 February and replaced with a notice of local transition period.

Heavy rain between 16 and 17 July 2021 resulted in flooding in Marlborough and Buller. The Buller River flooded causing significant flooding in Buller requiring wide-scale evacuations. States of local emergency were declared for Buller District on 16 July and Marlborough District on 17 July. The state of local emergency for Marlborough was terminated on 28 July and replaced with a notice of local transition period. The state of local emergency for Buller was terminated on 6 August and replaced with a notice of local transition period. 

A state of local emergency was declared for Canterbury on 30 May 2021 due to widespread flooding after heavy rain. The declaration was lifted on 3 June 2021. States of local emergency remained in place for Waimakariri, Selwyn and Ashburton districts from 3 June to 10 June 2021.

A local state of emergency was declared in the Westland District at 1745hrs on 26 March 2019 due to severe weather.

For further updates please go to: https://www.facebook.com/emergencywestcoast

Cyclone Gita - states of local emergency

Christchurch City Council including Banks Peninsula declared at 1430 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1130 hrs on 21 February 2018

Buller District declared at 1553 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1225 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Grey District declared at 1740 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1000 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Selwyn District declared at 1840 hrs on 20 February 2018 and terminated at 1500 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Westland District declared at 1900 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 0900 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Taranaki CDEM Group area declared at 1950 hrs on 20 February 2018 and terminated at 1200 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Nelson Tasman CDEM Group area declared at 1920 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1200 hrs on 23 February 2018.

New Plymouth District declared at 1200 hrs on 21 February and terminated at 1100 hrs on 25 February 2018.

Local states of emergency were declared on 1 February 2018 for Dunedin City District and Buller District in response to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Fehi. All declarations were terminated by 3 February 2018.

Cyclone Cook has passed many regions without significant impact from flooding, however a local state of emergency remains in place for the Whakatane District.

  Severe Wind Warning in place for the Bay of Plenty  Northwest winds are expected to strengthen overnight Saturday to Sunday. Winds may briefly reach severe gale with gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places from late Saturday night until dawn Sunday.  

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form on mainland Auckland today. Some storms may impact Waiheke Island, the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier but these are not expected to be as intense. Auckland will start to see showers forming soon, and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, some of these these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form in the extreme west and south of Auckland this evening. Some of these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty with  Whakatane, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Awkaponga, Matata and surrounding areas experiencing very heavy rainfall.  The metservice the ave advised that this should pass through quickly and have cleared by 10pm.

  This warning affects people in the following local government areas: WHAKATANE and TAUPO.   At 05:00 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TAUPO.   These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the east.   These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.   Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.   The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should: - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows; - Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside; - Move cars under cover or away from trees; - Secure any loose objects around your property; - Check that drains and gutters are clear; - Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving. During and after the storm, you should also: - Beware of fallen trees and power lines; - Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.  

Update to Heavy Rain Warning for Bay Of Plenty Issued 09:00pm Monday 18 Jan 2016 Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua A short period of intense heavy rain is expected early Tuesday morning. In the 6 to 9 hours from about 1am Tuesday expect 50 to 80mm to accumulate. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour and thunderstorms possible.

AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua FORECAST A short period of intense heavy rain is expected early Tuesday morning. In the 6 hours from about 2am to 8am Tuesday expect 50 to 80mm to accumulate. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour in possible thunderstorms. NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 9:00 pm Monday 18-Jan-2016

MetService have advised that there is a risk of thunderstorms which may form in Auckland throughout the day. Where thunderstorms form heavy rain is likely with rainfall rates of up to 25 mm an hour expected there is moderate confidence that some of these may become severe with rainfall rates up to 45 mm an hour possible. Wind gusts this afternoon may also be strong with gusts of up to 90km possible. Such rainfall rates may last one to two hours and have the potential to cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas. Driving conditions may also become hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility during heavy rain. In some instances small tornadoes can form with severe thunderstorms, if these do occur they will only affect very localised areas. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a risk of thunderstorms which may form in Auckland throughout the day. Where thunderstorms form heavy rain is likely with rainfall rates of up to 25mm/hr expected. There is a moderate confidence that some of these may become severe with rainfall rates up to 45mm/hr possible. Wind gusts this afternoon may also be strong with gusts of greater than 110km/hr possible. Such rainfall rates may last one to two hours and have the potential to cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas. Driving conditions may also become hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility during heavy rain. In some instances small tornadoes can form with severe thunderstorms, if these do occur they will only affect very localised areas. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that heavy rain is expected in Auckland from Friday morning through to Saturday evening. Areas north of Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Great Barrier Island should expect the most rain with between 100mm and 150mm possible. Rainfall rates between 25mm/hr and 35mm/hr are also possible. For Auckland, South of Whangaparaoa, including Waiheke Island, 50 to 80mm of rain is expected. Rainfall of this amount and intensity can cause flooding, especially about low-lying areas. People camping in low lying areas are urged to be very vigilant as streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Aucklanders are advised to exercise caution. A Severe Wind Watch is also in place as gusty easterly winds may cause powerlines and trees down to fall. Surface flooding may make driving difficult. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. **During and after a storm** - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Ensure you are aware of low lying areas that could flood rapidly - Report flooding to council.' - Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a storm.**

MetService have advised that heavy rain is expected to continue until 9am Sunday. From 9am Saturday another 60mm is expected to fall. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20mm/hr is expected during Sunday morning and then the rainfall is expected to ease. Significant flooding is no longer expected with these accumulations and intensities. Surface flooding is likely across Auckland through to Sunday morning. Low lying north facing coastal roads may experience wave splash around the 2pm high tide this afternoon. Localised wind damage such as power lines and trees down are possible in exposed areas. The severe wind watch has been lifted. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. **During and after a storm** - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Ensure you are aware of low lying areas that could flood rapidly - Report flooding to council.' - Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a storm.**

MetService New Zealand issued a severe weather warning at 8.48am today, with heavy rain set to continue this morning for Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty and Western Nelson. Heavy rain about the Kaimai Range, Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, and Waikato is expected to ease early this afternoon (Tuesday), although a further 90mm is still likely about the Kaimai Range and western Bay of Plenty this morning. Heavy rain should ease about western Nelson this afternoon, with a further 70 to 100mm expected about the ranges. This rainfall may cause slips, surface flooding, and cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly.

Heavy rain for Waikato and Western Bay of Plenty. A deep low lying west of the North Island is expected to move over the South Island early Wednesday. Associated fronts are expected to move across northern and central New Zealand Monday night and during Tuesday. These fronts are preceded by strong to gale easterly winds, with outbreaks of heavy rain expected about northern and central parts of the North Island and the upper South Island. A SEVERE WEATHER WATCH is also in force for many parts of northern and central New Zealand for this event.

Wind Storm at Mt Maunganui A patch of strong wind has impacted multiple properties in the Mt Maunganui area. Fire Service are responding and the Western Operating Area has activated to provide Welfare support if required.

Flooding and Severe Weather is affecting parts of the Wellington Region. While the worst of the weather may be over, transport to, within and from these parts is affected. For more information go to getprepared.nz/status

The situation on the Chatham Islands is generally improving with wild weather starting to ease as forecast. Ex-tropical cyclone Pam continues to move away to the south east of the Chatham Islands, and the MetService has now lifted its weather advisory for the Islands. However, winds and seas remain high. Combined waves of around 7 to 8 metres are still possible about southern coasts until late this afternoon and wave heights will only ease gradually this evening and during Friday. There is major damage to wharves at Kaingaroa and at Flower Pot (Pitt Island). Other damage on the Islands from Cycle Pam appears to be minor. Approximately 50 people south of Waitangi are without power for 2-3 days. The last remaining wildfire on the Islands remains contained. The declared state of local emergency will be reassessed this afternoon, with a view to terminating if no longer required.

A state of local emergency is still in place in the Chatham Islands. Cyclone Pam remains an intense extra-tropical low, but will gradually move southeast away from the Islands over the next 48 hours. The National Crisis Management Centre stood down at 8pm on Tuesday 17 March, however the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the situation and will coordinate assistance.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 8:57pm 17-Dec-2014 URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST IN: Bay Of Plenty Rotorua, Gisborne, Nelson, Coromandel Peninsula HEAVY RAIN IN THE NORTHEAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND EASING OVERNIGHT, BUT FURTHER HEAVY RAIN FOR NORTHWEST NELSON UNTIL EARLY THURSDAY MORNING

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 6:14 pm 17-Dec-2014 Heavy rain for the northeast of the North Island and also northwest Nelson A moist northeasterly flow over the North Island today is bringing a period of heavy rain to the northeast of the North Island. The heaviest falls are expected about the Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne, where a further 70 to 110mm could accumulate in a 6 to 9 hour period this evening and tonight, (this is on top of the rain which has already fallen during the day). Meanwhile, periods of heavy rain are expected to continue in northwest Nelson through to Thursday morning where a further 80mm could accumulate about the ranges. Heavy rain about the Coromandel Peninsula should ease early this evening, but another 20 to 40mm could accumulate there. People are advised that streams and rivers are likely to rise rapidly, and heavy rain could cause surface flooding, slips and make driving hazardous. HEAVY RAIN WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Coromandel Peninsula FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease early this evening, but south of Whangamata another 20 to 40mm could accumulate between 6pm and 8pm. Peak intensities of around 20mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease this evening. In the 4 hours from 6pm to 10pm Wednesday, expect a further 40 to 80mm to accumulate on top of what has alreday fallen. Peak intensities of around 25mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Remainder of Bay of Plenty (from Kawerau eastwards) and also Gisborne north of Ruatoria FORECAST Further heavy rain is expected this evening, then ease early Thursday morning. In the 8 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday, expect another 70 to 110mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of around 25-30mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 6:14 pm 17-Dec-2014 Heavy rain for the northeast of the North Island and also northwest Nelson A moist northeasterly flow over the North Island today is bringing a period of heavy rain to the northeast of the North Island. The heaviest falls are expected about the Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne, where a further 70 to 110mm could accumulate in a 6 to 9 hour period this evening and tonight, (this is on top of the rain which has already fallen during the day). Meanwhile, periods of heavy rain are expected to continue in northwest Nelson through to Thursday morning where a further 80mm could accumulate about the ranges. Heavy rain about the Coromandel Peninsula should ease early this evening, but another 20 to 40mm could accumulate there. People are advised that streams and rivers are likely to rise rapidly, and heavy rain could cause surface flooding, slips and make driving hazardous. HEAVY RAIN WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Coromandel Peninsula FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease early this evening, but south of Whangamata another 20 to 40mm could accumulate between 6pm and 8pm. Peak intensities of around 20mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease this evening. In the 4 hours from 6pm to 10pm Wednesday, expect a further 40 to 80mm to accumulate on top of what has alreday fallen. Peak intensities of around 25mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Remainder of Bay of Plenty (from Kawerau eastwards) and also Gisborne north of Ruatoria FORECAST Further heavy rain is expected this evening, then ease early Thursday morning. In the 8 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday, expect another 70 to 110mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of around 25-30mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms.

NOT TO BE BROADCAST AFTER 09:00pm Wednesday 17-Dec-2014

MetService have advised that thunderstorms may form in Auckland. The highest risk period is between 3pm - 7pm today, with stronger thunderstorms more likely in southern parts of the region. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING A front preceded by strong northeasterlies moves south over the North Island today (Wednesday 17 December), bringing a period of heavy rain to the northeast of the North Island. The heaviest falls are expected about the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 9:25 pm 18-Oct-2014 Period of heavy rain for the eastern Bay of Plenty A front over northern New Zealand is expected to move slowly eastwards across the North Island overnight Saturday and during Sunday morning and become slow moving over East Cape Sunday afternoon. A moist northwest flow ahead of this front is expected to bring a period of heavy rain to the eastern Bay of Plenty. 80 to 100mm of rain could accumulate in the eastern Bay of Plenty in an 18 hour period from midnight Saturday. The frontal rainband should weaken Sunday evening. People are advised that this rain could make rivers and stream rise quickly, cause slips and surface flooding and make driving hazardous. HEAVY RAIN WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane FORECAST Rain is expected to become heavy overnight Saturday. In the 18 hours from midnight Saturday to 6pm Sunday, 80 to 100mm of rain is likely. Heaviest rain rates could reach 15 to 20mm per hour at times. NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 9:00 am Sunday 19-Oct-2014

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 7:36 pm 19-Oct-2014 Heavy rain about the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty has eased and the warning for this area is lifted The rain has eased over the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and the warning for this area is lifted. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED FOR: Bay of Plenty ranges east of Whakatane

MetService have issued a Severe Weather Warning for the Bay of Plenty. For the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Rotorua Southwesterlies are expected to rise to severe gale for a time from late afternoon until late tonight. Gusts of 120km/h are possible in exposed places, especially about just east of the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges.

In 16hrs from 8am this morning 120-180mm in the southern part of Gisborne District.

On the 5th July a series of tornadoes struck Taranaki causing widespread damage to dwellings and properties. A declaration of local emergency was declared by the Taranaki CDEM Group on Thursday evening 5th July, 2007, and the EOC was activated. The declaration was lifted on Saturday 7th July 2007 after the 9am briefing and recovery coordination was in place

Declared at 1711 for Thames - Coromandel District, Waihi and Paeroa Ward of Hauraki and Te Aroha Ward of Matamata-Piako. Terminated at 0915 for the outer wards and at 1500 for T-C. Cyclone Fergus. About 2000 displaced holiday-makers. About 350 in temporary accommodation. 1 death

Declared at 1900, terminated at 2100 next day. About 166 people evacuated at Nuhaka after flooding and power failure associated with storm. DRC appointed for 14 days

Declared at 0940, terminated at 1700 next day. Cyclone Drena. About 140 evacuated at Moanatairi. 3 deaths.

Masterton storm. Declared at 1504, lifted at 0815. Road damage estimated at $296,000

Cyclone Bola

Featherston Borough storm

Chatham Island storm. 18 people evacuated.

Mackenzie County storm damage. Included Mt Cook.