The Government is on alert after disastrous flooding in the Far North led to the closure of roads, impacted water supply to some districts and forced hundreds of callouts to help motorists and residents.
There was an "incredible" amount of rain overnight across Northland, according to MetService, with several gauges exceedings 250mm of rain in 24 hours. In just four hours at Whangarei Aero, there was more than 150mm of rain.
It's severely affected the region, with various roads currently closed, including at the Kokopu Rd intersection on State Highway 15 from Kaikohe to Maungatapere, State Highway 12 Kaikohe to Omapere and on State Highway 1 between Victoria Valley Rd, Victoria Valley and Settlers Way.
The Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council are both warning of water supply issues and asking residents to conserve water, while many businesses have also been affected by the flooding.
"Our very strong recommendation is that you avoid travel unless it's absolutely essential - a number of vehicles had to be abandoned and some occupants rescued in the dark last night," Civil Defence Northland said earlier on Saturday.
The east coast and Coromandel have also been hit hard by the wild weather.
"For those whanau and households in the Mangatuna, Mangatokerau, Wharekaka and Paroa areas please think about your safety plan and where you will go if you need to evacuate later today/tonight," said Civil Defence Tolaga Bay East Coast.
The Government is on standby to help communities, with Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare saying he has spoken to mayors across the affected regions and understands "the most important message this morning is to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel so that emergency services can provide assistance to those most in need".
"Overnight several Civil Defence centres were open to help people who had to evacuate their homes due to flooding or couldn’t get home due to road closures," he said.
"Last night there were 45 calls received by the Far North District Council relating to roading, infrastructure and downed trees.
"In Tarawhiti, SH35 was closed between Te Puia & Tolaga Bay, some local roads are also closed, and the Hikuwai River is being monitored.
"As damage assessments take place this morning, I am considering options for travelling to the region to see where the Government can best support local communities during this time."
One resident told Newshub the entire town basin of Whangarei and many businesses were flooded overnight.
"It has rained non-stop since yesterday and if the weather continues as forecast with rain for the next few days, Northland could see a repeat of the great July 2014 flooding."
Footage showed water running like a river through the Riverside BP service station at 7pm Friday and down residential streets.
Flooding was ankle-deep at the Turkuaz Cafe and roads were seen completely submerged, blocking motorists.
Civil Defence Northland is warning people to avoid swimming or shellfish collection in the Whangarei Harbour due to heavy raining causing "two breaks in Whangarei's sewer line".
