Current weather event – 30 April, 2025
Keep up to date on developing weather systems and impacts at www.metservice.com.
State of local Emergency declared for Canterbury & severe weather warnings for wellington.
We’re concerned for local members and your whanau affected by the state of local emergency declared for Canterbury due to the severe weather event. If your health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.
If you, your business, or your staff are affected by the current situation, it is important to act swiftly. You can find some information below about general employment law obligations below.
The advice available through this Weather Events and Emergency Hub is designed to help hospitality business owners make good, safe, sensible and practical decisions in the event of an emergency situation. Please contact the Restaurant Association on 0800 737 827 if you have concerns or questions. This site will continue to be updated with relevant information based on the current emergency response.
If life or property is threatened always dial 111 for Police, Fire or Ambulance.
Quick links
Stay up to date on the latest weather updates and regional advisory.
Restaurant Association & other organisations’ guidance and resources
Download our emergency response guide, business interruption guidance and other emergency planning guides to help prepare and respond.
Advice on flooding
- To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues in Auckland, please log your issue online here.
- Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Stay out of flood water.
- Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
- Keep children away from flood waters. It is not safe for them.
- If you come in contact with floodwater, thoroughly clean hands, clothes and any property touched.
- If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can.
- Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require special assistance.
- Check with the local water treatment plant to establish if they are operating and water is safe to drink.
REMEMBER…
The RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION HELPLINE – 0800 737 827 – is available. We are happy to hear from you regardless of your situation so please do not hesitate to call or email.
We have a number of team members who are on the road so let us know if you would like one of the friendly team to stop by for a visit by calling 0800 737 827.
Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:
- This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
- When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
- Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
- In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!
Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:
- When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
- Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
- In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!
Orange Warnings are about taking action:
- When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
- Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
- In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.
Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action
- Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
- Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
- During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.
Watches are about being alert:
- When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
- Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
- During a Watch: Stay alert
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
- To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
- Issued routinely once or twice a day
- Recommendation: Plan