The Ministry of Social Development has activated the Government helpline for people affected by yesterday’s weather in Hobsonville and Whenaupai.  Anyone needing assistance from government or community services can phone 0800-77-9997.

Meanwhile, two recovery centres opened at 10:00 am at Massey Leisure Centre and Victory Church.  These centres are managed by Auckland Council Civil Defence staff with personnel from Housing NZ, Salvation Army, Work and Income, Child Youth and Family, and Victim Support.  The recovery centres will close at 5:00 pm.

WeatherWatch.co.nz Head Weather Analyst Philip Duncan says the worst of the weather is over for Auckland.  But that doesn’t mean more wet and blustery weather isn’t expected today.

Both winds and showers are expected to build up, but the winds should be mostly below gale force. 

Mr Duncan says “The showers and cloud tops are big this morning and we expect some of these downpours to be squally – in other words, torrential bursts of rain accompanied by gales with clear sunny spells in between.  These squalls will be incredibly localised and will be affecting the entire western coastline of NZ today – but mostly central areas between the upper SI and Taranaki.”

Mr Duncan adds that the risk for tornadoes is very low.

Homepage image/ Anthony Bitossi,NZHerald.co.nz

-WeatherWatch.co.nz