Far North bracing for heavy rain and winds

File photo.
Photo: Unsplash / Daoudi Aissa

Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for already sodden Northland, Bay of Plenty and parts of the East Coast, and people are being warned to be prepared.

MetService issued an orange heavy rain warning and a strong wind watch for Northland from Sunday afternoon into Monday.

It said up to 80mm of rain could fall, at rates of up to 25mm and hour, with the worst expected in the north and east of the region. Thunderstorms were also possible and forecasters said the rain could cause waterways to rise rapidly, lead to slips and driving conditions could be hazardous.

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said the region had been hit hard by rain this year since the Auckland anniversary weekend deluge.

He reminded people to get prepared, tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, make sure pets were safe and keep themselves up to date with weather forecast.

Tepania said the council and Civil Defence would monitor the situation and provide help if needed.

But more funding was needed to help build a more resilient roading network in his region.

Severe Weather Update

A low and its associated fronts cross Aotearoa New Zealand from late Sunday through Monday

Heavy rain is expected for northern and western areas

Strong winds for Northland and Auckland

Full details https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/tGDCtR0Gzf

— MetService (@MetService) May 27, 2023

He said State Highway One through Mangamuka Gorge was still closed due to 15 major slips in August last year, and the region was on the back foot and needed funding to create a resilient roading network.

Warnings and watches for other regions

MetService also issued a heavy rain watch and strong wind warning for the Auckland Region and Coromandel Peninsula from late Sunday into Monday, and warned the amount of rain could approach orange warning levels.

And for Monday 29 May, the orange heavy rain warnings extended to parts of the Bay of Plenty, East Coast and Gisborne, parts of the Tasman area and parts of Westland.

A low and its fronts cross NZ from late tonight

Most of the country will see some tomorrow but northern and western areas will bear the brunt of the heavier rain

For your local forecast and the latest warnings head to https://t.co/oKYtrol7HA https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/CINTR4LLaX

— MetService (@MetService) May 27, 2023