How to deal with disaster fatigue as North Island hit by another severe weather event

Streets underwater, gridlocked roads and flooded-out early childhood centres - it all feels uncomfortably familiar. 

Experts said Aucklanders are likely experiencing some level of disaster fatigue and say it's best to focus on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Metservice meteorologist Georgina Griffiths summed up how Aucklanders are feeling.

"Tena Koutou katoa, we're back here again Auckland," Griffiths said.

And whether it's your street underwater again, or waiting for ages and ages for the bus in the rain, or taking hours to drive just a few kilometres across the city - many are likely feeling mad or frustrated.

And while this might not be of much comfort, it is normal.

"People are probably feeling pretty stressed right now... These repeated events can create something we call disaster fatigue," Massey University emergency management lecturer Dr Lauren Vinnell said.

Dr Vinnell said the key to dealing with flooding fatigue is to focus on the action you can take, rather than the problem.

"So what can you do now to keep yourself and your whānau safe, if there's nothing you can do right now think about what would have helped you, and think about that for next time so you're more prepared," she said.

And while there is more cold and windy weather to come for Auckland, there is something to look forward to this weekend.

 "We actually see the first of a good-looking high coming in for the region and some drier weather - which is great news," Griffiths said.

But long term, the weather is something we might have to get used to. Rising temperatures mean more water vapour in the atmosphere - so more heavy rain. And the speed at which the planet's warming increases the chances of record-breaking storms.