Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in Northland, leaving some people isolated
- Up to 200 millimeters of rain fell in the region, with more expected in the coming days
- Campers at Puriri Bay were forced to abandon their tents and seek shelter elsewhere
- A heavy rain watch has been issued for Northland, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to a warning
- Strong easterlies are expected in the north of the North Island, with low confidence of a wind warning being needed
Introduction to the Flooding
The Northland region has been hit hard by heavy rain, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The Puriri Bay campground was particularly affected, with campers waking up to find their tents flooded and their belongings soaked. The heavy rain, which lashed the region on Sunday, has left some people isolated, with many more set to be affected in the coming days. The region is bracing itself for more rain, with MetService issuing a heavy rain watch for Northland from 6pm on Monday until 6pm on Tuesday.
The Situation at Puriri Bay
The situation at Puriri Bay is dire, with many campers forced to abandon their tents and seek shelter elsewhere. Alison Giblin, a camper from Matapouri, woke up to find her mattress floating in two feet of water. She and her husband were forced to wade through the floodwater to salvage their belongings, but many others were not so lucky, with abandoned tents and equipment littering the campsite. The campers are now waiting for crews to clear the road of slips, which are blocking their way home. Giblin estimated that around 100 people were at the campsite, and many are now relying on alternative shelter, such as vans, to keep warm and dry.
Response from Authorities
The Whangārei mayor, Ken Couper, has said that a number of people are still isolated in the Department of Conservation campsite at Puriri Bay, but they are not short on food or supplies. However, he is looking to provide them with fuel for generators to help them cope with the situation. The main focus is on making sure they are ready for the next deluge of rain before the clean-up can begin. The authorities are working to ensure that the affected areas are prepared for the expected heavy rain, with a heavy rain watch in place for Northland, as well as Auckland north of the Harbour Bridge and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the region is not looking good, with MetService predicting periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and localized downpours. The heaviest rain is expected on Wednesday, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand, with a moderate chance of the heavy rain watch being upgraded to a warning. In addition to the rain, strong easterlies are expected in the north of the North Island, with low confidence that a wind warning will be needed for Northland and Auckland. The region is bracing itself for a busy week of weather, with the subtropical low expected to move south towards the country, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Preparations and Warnings
The authorities are urging people to be prepared for the expected heavy rain, with a number of precautions being taken to minimize the impact. The public is being advised to stay indoors during the heavy rain and to avoid traveling unless necessary. The MetService is also warning of the risk of flash flooding, with the heavy rain expected to cause rivers to rise quickly. The authorities are working to ensure that the affected areas are prepared for the expected heavy rain, with a number of emergency services on standby to respond to any emergencies. The public is being urged to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to follow the instructions of the authorities to stay safe.
