Aucklanders, there’s a long weekend on the horizon. But if you can’t see it that’ll be because of the heavy rain in the way.

MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty.

There’s also a severe thunderstorm watch in place for until 3pm on Friday, and a strong wind watch in place for Auckland until 8pm on Friday night.

Heavy rain is arriving early for Northland and Auckland on Friday.

Northland can expect 100 to 130mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25mm per hour expected during Friday morning and afternoon. Rates as high as 40mm per hour are possible in localised downpours.

Those same peak rates are possible for Auckland on Friday too, with up to 100mm expected to fall.

Taranaki residents are being urged to watch out for heavy rain from 2pm onwards.

If you’re looking to travel, it’s worth taking a second glance at your plans – expect delays on the roads.

It’s the third major downpour for Northland in January 2023 alone.

Meanwhile, in the Coromandel Peninsula and in the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne around 110 to 150 mm of rain is expected about the ranges from Friday until Saturday, with 60 to 90 mm expected closer to the coasts.

Even after the heavy rains ease, showers are still on the cards.

Gale force winds are expected for Auckland from early until late on Friday, and northeast winds could get to even severe gale force in exposed places.

Meteorologist Angus Hines said the impacts and possibilities of slips and flooding are likely to be big, particularly because of how wet it’s already been since the end of 2022.

In such conditions, streams and rivers could rise rapidly, and there is a risk of surface flooding, slips and power outages.

There is always a risk of hazardous driving conditions.