Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain watches are in place for parts of the upper North Island, including Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula
- The heavy rain is expected to bring downpours, severe thunderstorms, and localized flooding to the affected areas
- The situation is uncertain, and significant changes in the forecast are possible
- Residents are advised to prepare for further heavy rain by securing outdoor furniture, clearing drains and gutters, and having a plan in place for evacuation
- The heavy rain has already caused significant flooding and damage in Northland, with up to 200mm of rain falling in localized areas
Introduction to the Weather Warning
The upper North Island is bracing for heavy rain, with watches in place for Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The heavy rain is expected to bring downpours, severe thunderstorms, and localized flooding to the affected areas. MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Northland, which began at 6pm on Monday and will last for 18 hours. Auckland north of the Harbour Bridge and Great Barrier Island are also under a heavy rain watch, which started at midnight and will last for 15 hours. The Coromandel Peninsula is under a 24-hour heavy rain watch, which began at midnight.
The Cause of the Heavy Rain
The heavy rain is being caused by a strong and humid easterly flow that is forecast to bring heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday. MetService said that a low of tropical origin is moving southeast and is expected to approach the North Island on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and strong east to northeast winds. The path and strength of the low are uncertain, which means that significant changes in the forecast are possible. The low is expected to pass over the central North Island and may extend a trough onto the South Island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to many northern and central parts of the country.
The Impact of the Heavy Rain
The heavy rain has already caused significant flooding and damage in Northland, with up to 200mm of rain falling in localized areas. The flooding has damaged homes and a recently renovated community hall in akura, and has forced people to evacuate to nearby marae. Civil Defence Northland is actively preparing for further heavy rain by monitoring forecasts alongside MetService and hydrologists, and planning and coordination meetings with councils and key stakeholders are taking place. Residents are being advised to secure outdoor furniture and loose items, clear drains and gutters, move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas, and have a plan in place for evacuation.
The Response to the Heavy Rain
Crews have spent the weekend clearing smaller slips to gain access to larger, more dangerous sites. NZTA has announced that State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, the main route between Gisborne and pōtiki, is likely to remain closed for several weeks after heavy rainfall on Friday triggered dozens of slips, washed out sections of road, and forced more than 40 stranded people to be rescued by helicopter. Around 322mm of rain fell in 48 hours, which is double the area’s January average, causing up to 40 slips on the state highway. The full list of weather warnings and watches can be found on the MetService website.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes securing outdoor furniture and loose items, clearing drains and gutters, moving valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas, and having a plan in place for evacuation. It is also important to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and warnings, and to follow the instructions of local authorities. By taking these precautions, residents can help to minimize the risks associated with the heavy rain and stay safe.