Drivers in Northland, Coromandel and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti are being advised to be “extra cautious” on the roads with more heavy rain forecast into the afternoon.
MetService yesterday issued orange heavy rain warnings and strong wind watches for parts of the North Island.
At 10am, Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti remained under heavy rain warnings into this afternoon and Wednesday, with a further 40 to 70mm of rain expected for Northland on top of what has already fallen.
“Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm per hour, and thunderstorms possible south of Bay of Islands,” MetService said.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island were also under a heavy rain watch into this evening, with “periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria”.
Thunderstorms and localised downpours were also possible, mostly in the north and east of the region.
Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula were all under strong wind watches into the afternoon.
In a statement on social media, Northland Civil Defence said majority of the rain had now moved south of the region, and most rivers have peaked and started to recede.
“The Strong Wind Watch for the region expired at 11am, and the Heavy Rain Warning expired at 2pm. Although some areas may still experience occasional showers this afternoon, they aren’t expected to cause any issues,” it said.
“Although the rain has eased, it’s important to remember that hazards resulting from this weather event, such as surface flooding and fallen trees or debris, may still be present. If you’re on the roads this afternoon, make sure to drive to the conditions and watch out for any hazards.”
The highest rainfall total rainfall recorded so far was around the Kaeo area, with the regional council rain gauge at Touwai recording 130mm over the last 24 hours.
The agency warned drivers to take extra care and look out for any hazards such as slips, downed trees, and surface flooding.
Thames-Coromandel District Council said rain continued to be moderate to heavy across the Coromandel Peninsula and “appears to be worsening”.
“Minor surface flooding has been observed along drains, which is expected in these conditions. A lightning and thunderstorm cell is currently moving across our district,” the Council said.
No significant road issues have been reported, but drivers should remain cautious and watch for surface flooding and debris.
Rainfall at the Pinnacles was on track to reach 100mm by the end of the day. Heavy falls have also been detected near Port Charles on the rain radar.
Road closures
Whangārei District Council said road closures were in place due to multiple slips and fallen trees blocking access.
Russell Rd (Whakapara), Finlayson Brook Rd and Memorial Drive were all closed, while partial closures were in place on Bay View Rd, Kaiikanui Rd, Old Parua Bay Rd North and Russell Rd (Whakapara).
New Zealand Transport Agency urged drivers travelling throughout Gisborne/Tairāwhiti to be extra cautious over the next 24 hours with a heavy rain warning in place.
“Crews will be ready to respond to issues throughout the night, such as possible surface flooding,” the agency said.
“If you are travelling the network, please adhere to any temporary traffic management or speed restrictions that may be in place.
People could see any updates to the highway network on NZTA’s Journey Planner.
The Far North District Council said a slip in Rāwhiti has closed a road and a tree fallen across a road in Kawakawa.
Rāwhiti Road was also closed for a recurring slip to be cleared, while a tree that fell across Range Rd in Kawakawa was cleared, but the road remained open.
“Heavy rain and gale-force winds which swept across Northland during the night and early this morning, are expected to move across to Auckland and the Coromandel today,” the council said.
Power outages
Northpower earlier reported two areas with unplanned outages due to high winds, broken power lines and downed trees across lines.
The outages impacted 58 customers around Waikiekie North Rd, Paparoa Rd and Walker Rd and 42 customers on Millbrook Rd and Walters Rd.
Seven customers were impacted on State Highway 12.
It was unknown exactly when the power would be restored to affected properties.
In Whangamatā, 70 properties were without power with restoration efforts ongoing.
