Several roads are closed in Whang\u0101rei after heavy rain caused flooding, however, the region is in for a reprieve.<\/p>\n
MetService meterologist Braydon White said the forecaster has lifted its rain warning for the region and that yesterday’s heavy downpours have eased.<\/p>\n
He said up to 120 millimetres of rain fell in an hour in some parts, while there was up to 90mm in an hour in Kerikeri.<\/p>\n
The closed roads include Russell Road, Ngunguru Road North, Otonga-marua Road, Marua Road, and Kaiikanui Road.<\/p>\n
Several other roads were down to a single lane because of surface flooding.<\/p>\n
In an update on Sunday, the Whangarei District Council said the effects of the heavy rain have been only minor.<\/p>\n
A Civil Defence spokesperson said there was flooding and small slips in some places.<\/p>\n
The council said all roads that were closed due to the downpour will be open today.<\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency said a slip occurred at a house on Queen Street in Russell last night.<\/p>\n
Crews were attending another incident when they became aware of the slip.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said the people in the house chose to stay there overnight.<\/p>\n
Wind watches in place<\/p>\n
MetService said the heavy rain for northern New Zealand will move away to the east early today.<\/p>\n
It is warning people in Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and parts of the South Island to brace for heavy winds.<\/p>\n
It’s issued an orange strong wind warning for Hawke’s Bay south of Hastings, and the Tararua District from 7pm on Sunday until tomorrow evening.<\/p>\n
It said severe gale westerlies could gust up to 120km\/h in exposed places.<\/p>\n
It’s also issued a strong wind watch for Tasman and southern areas of Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.<\/p>\n
Snow warning<\/p>\n
The lower South Island is bracing for more heavy snow, with MetService issuing a warning for Otago.<\/p>\n
A road snowfall warning is in place for Milford Road, Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road, and Arthur’s Pass.<\/p>\n
Up to 12 centimetres of snow is forecast to settle between 500 and 900 metres.<\/p>\n
In Southland, State Highway 94 will close from 4.30pm on Sunday due to the risk of an avalanche. <\/p>\n