Photo: Getty ImagesA flood alert has been issued for Auckland as a band of torrential downpours moves over the region. Severe downpours have hit the North Island for the second time this week, bringing torrential rain and flooding, causing power outages, slips and road closures. The wild weather has stretched volunteer fire brigades with Kerikeri and Rawene particularly busy dealing with flooded homes, downed trees, blocked drains and crashes. The weather has also taken its toll on the Far North's power network. About half of Auckland's water comes from four water storage dams in the Hunua Ranges, where flash flooding has taken place.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2017 07:43 UTC