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2010-02-20 18:48:02 - Extreme Weather - New Zealand EDIS CODE: ST-20100220-25008-NZL
Date & Time: 2010-02-20 18:48:02 [UTC]
Area: New Zealand, Northland, Waitemata Harbour area, Damage level: Moderate (Level 2)
Not confirmed information! Description: High tides and bad weather could flood Auckland's Northwestern Motorway in coming months, stranding thousands of commuters and causing gridlock. The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned motorists and cyclists of unusually high "king tides" that could swamp the Northwestern Motorway, one of Auckland's major arterial routes. The motorway, which passes over reclaimed land on the edge of Waitemata Harbour, has been gradually sinking for the past 50 years. More than 87,000 vehicles use the motorway every day. Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey said a flooded motorway would "bring Auckland to a standstill". "If the Northwestern [Motorway] is stopped, the traffic goes right back to Newmarket, right back to the city, and everything stops." The next danger period is between February 27 and March 5, when another king tide is expected. The days on either side of the tide are included in the flood warning. The agency has warned cyclists to avoid using the cycleway alongside the motorway 90 minutes either side of high tide on those days.
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