Heavy rain forecast for Northland and Coromandel overnight has caused power outages to a number of homes due to downed trees and broken power lines.
Some roads around Whangārei were also closed or partially closed due to slips and fallen trees this morning, the Whangārei District Council said.
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.
Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula were all under strong wind watches into the afternoon.
In a statement to social media, Northland Civil Defence said rainfall and strong winds continued throughout the night and into the morning for many places across the region.
“Initially, the heaviest falls were in the northeast of Northland, but the rain has spread further southward,” it said.
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.
Road closures
In an update at 9am, the Whangārei District Council said road closures were in place due to multiple slips and fallen tress blocking access.
Finlayson Brook Rd, Marua Rd and Memorial Drive were all closed, while partial closures were in place on Bay View Rd, Pipiwai Rd North and Russell Rd (Whakapara).
Power outages
Northpower reported two areas with unplanned outages due to high winds, broken power lines and downed trees across lines.
The outages impacted 42 customers around Millbrook Rd and Walters Rd.
Around 160 customers were without power in Maungatapere, Kamo, and Kokopu.
An earlier outage impacting those on Pukeatua Rd, Jackson Rd, Garden Hill Lane, Elmsley Rd and Snooks Rd has been restored.
It was unknown exactly when the power would be restored to affected properties.
Top Energy also reported power outages to customers due to tree contact on feeders in Opononi, Amarua and Takou Bay.
In Ōmāpere, 212 customers were affected on Freese Park Rd, Hokianga Harbour Drive, Martin Rd, Old Wharf Rd, Pioneer Walk, Signal Station Rd, State Highway 12, Waianga Pl and Waihuka Rd.
In Amarua, 11 customers were impacted on Gammon Rd and 9 customers were without power on Stanners Rd with an estimated restoration time of 12.30pm.
