A red heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of Northland from this afternoon, with up to 320mm of rain forecast to lash the region.
Earlier, MetService issued heavy rain warnings with a “high chance” of these being upgraded to the highest red level as a deep sub-tropical low approaches the country.
Shortly after 10am, the forecaster issued a red heavy rain warning – the highest level alert – for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei from 4pm today into Friday.
“Expect 270 to 320 mm of rain. Peaks rates initially 15 to 25 mm/h, but increasing to 25 to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning.
Thunderstorms were also possible from Thursday afternoon.
It said this alert level would bring a “threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips”.
“Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.”
In the coming days, the forecaster said heavy rain and strong northeast winds would also spread to many other regions from late this evening into Thursday and Friday.
“This will be an impactful multi-hazard event. The heaviest rain and largest amounts are likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty where downpours, flooding, and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday.”
A period of large northeast waves was also expected with strong to gale-force winds.
Heavy rain and strong winds will also affect parts of the South Island, especially for Tasman and the West Coast.
People were urged not to enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Red
Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei– 36 hours from 4pm today to 4am Friday.
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Remainder of Northland not under a red warning – 36 hours from 4pm today to 4am Friday.
Great Barrier Island – 30 hours from 3am Thursday to 9am Friday.
Auckland from Whangaparāoa northwards – 30 hours from 3am Thursday to 9am Friday.
Coromandel Peninsula – 36 hours from 6am Thursday to 6pm Friday.
Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne –42 hours from 9am Thursday to 3am Saturday.
Tasman west of Motueka – 26 hours from 10am Thursday to noon Friday.
Richmond and Bryant Ranges – 18 hours from 6pm Thursday to noon Friday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Northland – 26 hours from 9pm today to 11pm Thursday.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 17 hours from 8am Thursday to 1am Friday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Auckland south of Whangaparaoa – 33 hours from 3am Thursday to noon Friday.
Taranaki Maunga – 27 hours from 9am Thursday to noon Friday.
Areas of the Tasman District south of Nelson City and north of Saint Arnaud not under a warning – 24 hours from noon Thursday to noon Friday.
The inland ranges of Marlborough west of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and south of Picton – 21 hours from 6pm Thursday to 3pm Friday.
Ranges of the Westland District – 36 hours from 3pm Thursday to 3am Saturday.
North Otago, also Canterbury south of Timaru and east of Twizel – 12 hours from 6pm Thursday to 6am Friday.
Strong Wind Watch
Banks Peninsula – 24 hours from 7pm Thursday to 7pm Friday.
Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato – 23 hours from 9am Thursday to 8am Friday.
Taupō, Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui, South Taranaki – 24 hours from noon Thursday to noon Friday.
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