Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson is urging Aucklanders to have their emergency plans and supplies in place before Cyclone Gabrielle's forecast arrival over New Zealand tomorrow.
Simpson has given an official update ahead of the storm's arrival.
Watch the briefing here:
Simpson says the Auckland mayor's office is working closely with other agencies to prepare for Cyclone Gabrielle.
Mayor Wayne Brown has been out with the Defence Force in Mt Eden today, she said.
"Please make sure you have your emergency plans and supplies in place before tomorrow," Simpson said.
"Please ensure you only buy what you need for the next few days."
She asked people to think about extended family, pets and friends, and "be ready to leave" if needed.
Simpson warns Cyclone Gabrielle will be a different experience to that of the storms two weeks ago, noting mainly the forecast strong winds.
People should make sure outdoor items are put away or tied down, she said.
Auckland Emergency Management has been working on a number of Civil Defence centres and shelters across the city, she said.
"Please check on those who may not have the support that you do, and please keep up to date on the official information channels and MetService, and please use this time to prepare."
The latest track map for #CycloneGabrielle is now available here https://t.co/7wKJumOqMX
— MetService (@MetService) February 10, 2023
Remember that the shading represents the possible path of #CycloneGabrielle, not the extent of the severe weather or expected areas of impacts pic.twitter.com/dkzMHMcEVj
There are Civil Defence Centres in every local board area across the Auckland Region, Auckland Emergency Management says.
They offer a safe place to eat, sleep and access essential support services.
In comparison, shelters provide immediate respite from the storm, but not longer-term housing or protection.
AEM recognises people want access to sandbags, it says.
Before using sandbags, people should investigate other measures for protecting properties.
"Where possible, use other methods to source your own protection."
People are advised not to take sand from beaches around the region due to concerns around water quality.
Auckland's state of emergency was extended ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson thanked Aucklanders for their efforts.
"I'm grateful for way people have come together, helped each other out and shown resilience in the face of what is set to be another significant and impactful event for Tāmaki Makaurau."
She noted this event was likely to be different to the storm two weeks ago, with more wind and coastal surges forecast. It is important people follow advice on the best ways to be prepared.
The Waste Solutions team and the New Zealand Defence Force have been out today finalising kerbside collections across the region.
Residents are asked to stop putting further flood-damaged items out, and instead store and secure them from strong winds until collections can resume.
Simpson urged residents to ensure they have emergency plans and supplies in place before tomorrow, including for if there are power outages, and referred them to the getready website for advice.
"Think about your whānau, friends, pets and belongings - and prepare to leave if you need to," she said. "Please ensure you only buy what you need for a few days."
People should also talk with their employers to make plans for working through Cyclone Gabrielle, and ensure they're receiving up-to-date information from schools, kura and early childhood care providers.
Auckland Emergency Management is setting up a number of Civil Defence Centres and Shelter Sites across the region for people who may need to leave their homes.
Simpson thanked everyone who had been involved in preparing the region for the event and urged people to look after themselves and one another.
The next briefing by Auckland Emergency Management will be on Sunday at 1pm.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's mayor is also urging residents to plan ahead and prepare for the expected arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Waikato is under a strong wind watch from midnight tomorrow as the storm approaches, with warnings and watches in place from Northland, as far south as Marlborough and Westland.
Paula Southgate says council crews are monitoring the storm closely, and working closely with response agencies.
She said if the expected weather arrived, residents should stay indoors and keep travel to a minimum.
She said everyone should have a household emergency plan and people should check the latest information from MetService, Civil Defence and the council.
