Key Takeaways:
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the North Island’s east coast, with over 1,000 homes without power in the upper North Island.
- Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the Far North, Auckland, and Gisborne, with torrential rain and large hail expected.
- MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Gisborne/Tai Rawhiti and Hawke’s Bay, with up to 150mm of rain expected in some areas.
- The severe weather is expected to ease by Monday, with a ridge of high pressure forecast over the country.
- Residents are advised to drive to the conditions, look after themselves, and listen to Civil Defence messages for updates.
Introduction to the Severe Weather
The North Island’s east coast is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms, with over 1,000 homes already without power in the upper North Island. The severe weather is expected to bring torrential rain and large hail, with MetService issuing severe thunderstorm warnings for the Far North, Auckland, and Gisborne. The warnings have been issued due to a series of short and intense thunderstorms moving across the region, with residents in Muriwai, south of Gisborne, reporting power cuts and torrential rain.
Power Outages and Thunderstorm Warnings
Power Co has reported an outage affecting over 1,300 properties in the Waikato town of Tīrau, with residents taking to social media to report power cuts and torrential rain. Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the Far North, with areas such as Kaeo, Kerikeri, and Matauri Bay affected. Further south, a line of severe thunderstorms is lying near Auckland, with areas in the Rodney and Albany regions expected to be affected. On the East Coast, a warning is in place for Gisborne, with MetService radar detecting severe thunderstorms near Gisborne, Whangara, and Waimata.
Civil Defence Alerts and Heavy Rain Warnings
Civil Defence in Gisborne is on alert for the second time in a week, with another bout of heavy rain forecast to sweep across the region on Saturday afternoon. MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for Gisborne/Tai Rawhiti, with up to 150mm of rain expected, especially in the ranges. Mayor Rehette Stoltz has asked the public to drive to the conditions, look after themselves, and listen to Civil Defence messages for updates. An earlier thunderstorm warning for Wairoa was cancelled, but renewed just after 2:30pm, this time with Gisborne included.
Weather Forecast and Expected Rainfall
MetService has said that thunderstorms in Bay of Plenty are expected to become more widespread later in the morning or during the afternoon and spread to southern Coromandel Peninsula. From late morning until tonight, some of these thunderstorms may become severe, bringing localized downpours with intensities of 25 to 40mm per hour. A similar heavy rain warning has been issued for Hawke’s Bay north of Napier, with up to 120mm of rain expected and a risk of thunderstorms. The heavy rain is expected to ease south of the Wairoa District on Saturday night.
Relief Efforts and Expected Ease in Weather
The Horowhenua District Council has activated the Mayoral Relief Fund to support residents who have been financially impacted by the recent severe weather and prolonged power outages across the district. MetService says weather conditions should ease by Monday, with a ridge of high pressure forecast over the country, which would make the risk of severe weather minimal. Residents are advised to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities. The severe weather has already caused disruptions, with people attending the annual Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne having to wade through mud due to torrential rain over the Christmas/New Year period.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the North Island’s east coast is experiencing severe weather, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to hit the region. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and follow the instructions of local authorities. The severe weather is expected to ease by Monday, with a ridge of high pressure forecast over the country. It is essential for residents to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings to ensure their safety.