Holidaymakers are being warned to prepare and take care as a band of heavy rain and strong winds over the country.
A subtropical low over the Tasman Sea is expected to direct a strong and moist northeast flow over central and northern New Zealand on Wednesday and Thursday, MetService said, with some areas likely to receive large amounts of rain and possible severe gale northeasterlies.
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Northland from 1am on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday. MetService said the area can expect 110 to 160mm of rain to accumulate, mainly in the north and east, though the eastern hills may accumulate 200 to 250mm. They added that peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h are expected from Wednesday night.
"Heavy rain could cause slips, surface flooding and damage to roads. Severe gales could make driving conditions hazardous, especially for motorcycles and high-sided vehicles. Temporary structures such as tents could be affected," MetService said.
Northland also has a strong wind watch in place for the same timeframe as the heavy rain warning. MetService warned northeast winds may approach severe gales in exposed places.
Additionally, eastern coastlines from Northland to the Coromandel can expect heavy swells that don't ease until Friday.
Civil Defence Northland urged those who may be affected by the weather to take extra steps to protect their belongings and themselves. They said it's a good time to:
- relocate items from any areas of your property that are prone to flooding
- secure outdoor furniture and structures, including tents if you're camping
- make sure you have supplies ready in case of power outages or road closures
- drive carefully on the roads on Wednesday and Thursday.
Other parts of New Zealand also have strong wind watches in place, including Auckland and Great Barrier Island. This one will last 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday.
Also, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty about and west of Tauranga, Taupō, Taranaki, and Taihape have a 24-hour strong wind watch from 6pm on Wednesday.
There are also several heavy rain watches for parts of the North Island and South Island.
In Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, a watch is in place for 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday. MetService said there will be periods of heavy rain and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially in the north and east.
For the Coromandel Peninsula, the heavy rain watch lasts 24 hours from 9pm on Wednesday. MetService said rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria, especially near the ranges.
The Thames-Coromandel District Council is warning holidaymakers in the area, especially those camping or using tents, to prepare for the incoming rain and wind.
"Hatch a wet weather plan, especially if you are camping," said Civil Defence controller Garry Towler.
"Check your tents' drainage, make sure they are tied down, and have a place to go if things get uncomfortable."
Other heavy rain watches include the Bay of Plenty west of Matatā, where a watch is in place from 3am on Thursday to 6am on Friday. As with other areas, there will be periods of heavy rain and rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria.
Lastly, in Tasman west of Motueka, a heavy rain watch is in place for 24 hours from midnight on Wednesday to midnight on Thursday. MetService warned rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria, especially in the ranges.
