Havoc as storm hits Auckland

The sound of sirens is echoing around Auckland city as high winds cause havoc.

Around midday today wind blew part of the roof off a heritage building in Pitt Street - and now torrential rain is causing problems with the fire service receiving a flood of calls.

VIDEO: Rain pummels the Auckland CBD

NewstalkZB's Alexia Russell says her coat and umbrella is no match for the torrent.

"I have not heard the sirens stop since I stepped out of the office door.

"The place is awash and as cars drive through intersections they have bell waves after them.

"Rain is absolutely driving down, people are screaming for shelter, construction sites emptying, this really is quite chaotic," Ms Russell says.

Water has also passed over the wheel arches of some parked cars.

At around midday this afternoon firefighters were trying to secure the roof of a building after a gust of wind blew part of it off.

Les Haine from the Pastry Pitt says the wind got under the corrugated iron roofing and peeled it back.

"Part of the roof of a heritage building has just come unhinged in the wind and folded back and the fire people here were securing it so it doesn't come down onto the street."

The Fire Service says heavy rain has flooded houses in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and the North Shore.

North Shore businesses are also having problems with flood waters.

Have you been affected by the storms? Send us your pictures to online@newstalkzb.co.nz

Photo: Edward Swift