![\"Flooding](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4JR5IC2_654688895_1492723625751824_8123008928706254827_n_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nFlooding in Kiripaka, Northland.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Stella Matthews\n<\/p>\n
MetService says there’s a strong likelihood of several regions being upgraded to red heavy rain warnings as a damaging storm sweeps across the country.<\/p>\n
Northland and Whang\u0101rei are currently in a state of emergency, which will last for seven days.<\/p>\n
Although rainfall is set to ease for both regions, others may soon be in the flood firing line.<\/p>\n
So which regions are preparing for the worst?<\/p>\n
Tauranga<\/p>\n
Tauranga City Council is also warning people of landslide risks.<\/p>\n
An orange heavy rain warning remains in place for Tauranga through to 1am on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The warning has a high chance of being upgraded to a red warning.<\/p>\n
Due to earlier rainfall and slips, it said there was an increased risk of new landslide occurring and more damage at sites which had already experienced slides.<\/p>\n
“If you learn or suspect that a landslide is occurring or is about to occur in your area evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n
“Seek higher ground outside the path of the landslide. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow path is your best protection.”<\/p>\n
Adams Avenue, between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Rd roundabout, would be closed to vehicles from 5pm due to the heavy rain warning.<\/p>\n
“This is a precautionary approach following geotechnical advice about the current risks on Mauao from anticipated rainfall.<\/p>\n
“The road will not be opened until the rain event has passed and we have expert advice regarding the safety of the area.”<\/p>\n
Bay of Plenty<\/p>\n
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is warning of possible land slides and for people to stay inside if possible.<\/p>\n
Up to 180 millimetres of rain is expected, with the region’s orange warning likely to be upgraded to a red.<\/p>\n
MetServices said surface flooding and road closures are expected.<\/p>\n
Visit MetService, NZTA or the council website for updates, the region’s Civil Defence said.<\/p>\n
Coromandel<\/p>\n
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said there was a high chance of the Coromandel’s orange rain warning being upgraded to red.<\/p>\n
A heavy rain warning was in place for the area from 4pm Thursday until at least 6pm Friday.<\/p>\n
MetService said expect up to 80 to 120mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.<\/p>\n
It said rain up to 200mm was also possible for the Coromandel Peninsula.<\/p>\n
Auckland<\/p>\n
All of Auckland is now under orange rain and wind warnings, with a low chance of being upgraded to red warnings.<\/p>\n
Auckland Civil Defence said residents should prepare for flooding and stay up-to-date via MetService and the NZTA website.<\/p>\n
Nelson\/Tasman<\/p>\n
Residents in the Nelson and Tasman districts are being asked to prepare for severe weather, with up to 250 millimetres of rain expected in some areas.<\/p>\n
An orange heavy rain warning is in effect for Tasman northwest of Motueka until 4pm Friday, with a a high chance the warning will be upgraded to red.<\/p>\n
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said the rain was settling in on Thursday, and people should be careful around rivers and streams, and on the roads.<\/p>\n
Rest of South<\/p>\n
Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for the Richmond and Bryant ranges, as well as parts of Westland, south Canterbury, and north Otago.<\/p>\n
MetService said up to 90mm of rain could fall in North Otago and Canterbury.<\/p>\n
There was a minimal chance of the warning upgrading to red, it said.<\/p>\n
Red weather warnings ‘no joke’<\/p>\n
National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) director of civil defence emergency management John Price confirmed further red warnings for parts of the country were likely.<\/p>\n
“Red weather warnings are real and no joke, and I’m urging people not to put themselves in harm’s way, as your life safety is critical.<\/p>\n
“MetService only issues red warnings for the most extreme weather events. Heavy rain and severe winds can cause flooding and landslides, which can kill or cause serious harm.”<\/p>\n
Price urged people to “trust their danger sense” and not be foolish.<\/p>\n
“If you get into trouble and need rescuing, you’ll be holding up emergency services who need to be looking after our most vulnerable.”<\/p>\n