Event type: Aviation

30 January 2024

Auckland Rainfall Emergency

Generated by convective activity associated with an Atmospheric River, heavy rainfall occurred in Auckland on 27th January 2023. Event totals of over 250mm were widespread with over 40mm in 15 minutes at the peak of the event. Over 1300 homes were flood damaged. Infrastructure impacts included the closure of, and flooding of Auckland Airport terminal. There was limited public information throughout the event which led to significant criticism of politicians and emergency managers. The case-study provides great learnings for compound impacts, risk appetite, process, training, roles and responsibilities ,and planning for unusual, but credible natural hazard events.

Auckland Rainfall EmergencyDownload

Fort Lauderdale Extreme Rainfall

Convective, stationary storms with moist inflow produced over 21 inches (533mm) in 12 hours around Broward County, Florida, according to data from the National Weather Service. Precipitable water was high, and extended wet weather resulted in saturated antecedent conditions for a favorable meteorological environment.

The area around the international airport, and port received the greatest falls with two separate periods of over 4 inches (100mm) in one hour. Standing water varied between 1-2 feet (0.31 to 0.62 metres).  The highest intensities came close to the USA record for 10 minutes with 38mm . The event was estimated at having a 1:1000 annual chance of occurrence.

The international airport was closed for 41 hours and passengers remained on site during this period. 1119 flights were cancelled.

Port Everglades, that manages supplies gasoline for 40% of Florida shut down and within 2 days much of Southern Florida was short of fuel. This took over a week to resolve after a release of emergency fuel by the Federal Govt. Local and Statewide emergency declarations occurred.

A detailed spatial and temporal pattern of the storm is available for modelling along with an economic assessment and mock exercise based on this scenario.

Fort Lauderdale Rainfall April 2023Download