A large weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the upper North Island from today.
Already, winds gusting more than 50 knots (90 km/h plus) have been recorded off the coasts of Auckland, Northland and the Coromandel.
Electricity network provider Northpower was reporting about 150 customers were without power as nightfall approached on Wednesday.
MetService issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings across parts of the North Island and some areas of the South. (Source: 1News)
Authorities were warning of coastal inundation when predicted 5m-6m east coast swells were to be combined with severe gale winds and a 10pm hightide.
The Far North District Council said eight roads have been impacted by the severe weather with two closed as of 4pm. Pukepoto Road was closed due to flooding and Waimatenui/Mataraua roads were blocked by fallen trees.
MetService has issued an updated range of heavy rain and strong wind warnings kicking in from this morning into Friday as Tropical Cyclone Tam was expected to transition into a deep subtropical low as it approaches the country from the northwest.
Northland is under an orange heavy rain warning until 9pm tomorrow, with 100 to 150mm of rain expected. There is also an orange strong wind warning in place for the region from mid-afternoon until 8pm Thursday.
“Severe gale easterlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140km/h possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning,” the forecaster said.
Orange rain warnings were also issued for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kaimai Range, Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay and Tasman northwest of Motueka.
A heavy rain watch was also issued for Auckland, and Great Barrier Island from 1am tomorrow into Friday.
Auckland was also subject to an orange strong wind warning from 9pm.
Overnight, Fiji’s Meteorological Service upgraded a tropical low that’s been hovering over Vanuatu to a Tropical Cyclone.
Cyclone Tam is a category one system moving south-south/east away from Tanna Island towards New Zealand.
Whangārei mayor Vince Cocurullo told RNZ there had been a couple of trees down and Northpower staff would be out and about to keep power on.
Far North District Council mayor Moko Tepania, speaking from Kaikohe, told RNZ it had rained all night but had eased off slightly.
According to the Northpower and Top Energy websites, power outages continued to impact many customers across both networks.
Some flights in and out of Northland were disrupted or cancelled today.
Civil Defence Northland said this morning “we are starting to see some heavy rain make its way across parts of the region”.
“So, as you head out this morning, please drive to the conditions, take extra care, and report any weather-related issues on the roads or in public areas to the local council.”
Coastguard warned people against going into the water. “If you’re planning to head out on the water – DON’T. Stay off the water for at least the next 48 hours. Make sure you monitor the forecast before heading out.”
Caution urged on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge
In a post to social media, New Zealand Transport Waka Kotahi urged commuters to be wary of strong winds on the Harbour Bridge today due to strong winds.
“Please obey speed signs and maintain a safe following distance. The bridge will operate with four lanes in each direction today.”
By 5pm, the agency said all lanes were open but motorists should expect delays while congestion eased.
Vector also urged caution.
“Strong winds and heavy rain have been forecast across the next few days, and that could cause power outages as trees and branches come down over lines.
“Please remember to stay well clear of any fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, treating them as live, at all times. Call 111 if you do see any.
“Our crews are ready to respond as needed to restore power, as quickly and safely as they can.”
Power lines downed in Silverdale
Police advised motorists that downed power lines on the Hibiscus Coast Highway in Silverdale might cause some delays.
It said the lines came down between the East Coast and Tavern roads.
“Eastbound and westbound traffic is being diverted via East Coast Road and Tavern Road.
“Lines contractors are on site.”
Police asked motorists to avoid the area if at all possible, as traffic built up in the area.
Public facilities closed
Auckland’s largest parklands, Cornwall Park, will be closed from 7pm this evening due to the incoming weather.
The 172-hectare park has around 345 different native and exotic tree species and more than 8000 individual trees.
A spokesperson for the park said the safety of staff and the public “our highest priority” and there may be “unseen hazards due to the high high winds that are expected”.
The Department of Conservation also closed tracks to Coromandel’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove until at least midday on Saturday.
Watches and warnings
Heavy rain warning — orange
Northland – 36 hours from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday.
Coromandel Peninsula – 36 hours from midnight Wednesday to midday Friday.
Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kaimai Range – 36 hours from midday Thursday to midnight Friday.
Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay – 27 hours from 9pm Thursday to midnight Friday.
Tasman northwest of Motueka – 30 hours from 6pm Thursday to midnight Friday.
Strong wind warning — orange
Northland – 29 hours from 3pm Wednesday to 8pm Thursday.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 27 hours from 9pm Wednesday to midnight Thursday.
Heavy rain watch
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 26 hours from 1am Thursday to 3am Friday.
Strong wind watch
Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo – 27 hours from midnight Wednesday to 3am Friday.
Taumarunui and Taihape – 24 hours from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Taranaki about and west of Taranaki Mounga – 24 hours from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Buller – 24 hours from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday.
