MetService has upgraded Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty area west of Kawerau to orange heavy rain warnings ahead of severe downpours anticipated this weekend.
Northland can expect 100 to 140mm of rain to fall between 8pm Saturday and 8pm Sunday, with more heavy rain possible overnight Sunday and Monday morning.
The Coromandel warning covers from 3am on Sunday until at least 2pm on Monday, for 150 to 200mm of rain.
The Bay of Plenty warning is for the 30 hours between 6pm Sunday and midnight Monday. Heavy rain is likely during Tuesday as well, MetService said.
There are also a heavy rain watch for Auckland including Great Barrier Island, and strong wind watches for Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula and eastern Waikato near the Coromandel and Kaimai ranges.
"An active front, associated with a subtropical low, moves south over the upper North Island during Sunday and Monday, bringing periods of heavy rain and easterly gales," MetService said in a statement.
"Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made or more areas are added."
Civil Defence has instructed people to make "sure you've got a plan ready, in case the worst happens".
"We urge Aucklanders to keep an eye on weather forecasts this weekend and, if you live in an area prone to flooding or isolation, make sure you've got a plan to secure your property, shelter in place if you need to or know what you might need to do if evacuation is required," Auckland Emergency Management's Paul Amaral said on Friday afternoon.
People should carefully consider travel plans and remember to call 111 if their lives are in danger, he said.
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