Heavy rain watches and warnings have been issued, with downpours likely to hammer Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
A slow-moving trough will bring heavy rain to many areas, which could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, and lead to the risk of surface flooding and slips. Driving conditions may also be hazardous.
A swath of heavy rain watches and warnings have been issued along the east coast of the North Island, as well as the top of the South Island and areas of its east coast.
Warnings
A heavy rain warning is in place for Gisborne/Tairawhiti between 9am Saturday and 6am Sunday.
"Expect 90 to 120mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, mainly about higher ground. Peak rates of 10 to 15mm/h," MetService warned.
Another heavy rain warning has been issued for Hawke's Bay south of State Highway 5.
"Expect 100 to 130mm of rain about the ranges and eastern hills south of Hastings, and 50 to 80mm elsewhere," MetService said.
"Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h expected from Sunday morning about the ranges and eastern hills."
Watches
- The remainder of Hawke's Bay not under warning: 6pm Sat 8 - 6pm Sun 9
- Wairarapa including the Tararua District, and the eastern hills of Wellington: Noon Sat 8 - 6pm Sun 9
- Tasman District, west of Mapua: 9am - 6pm Sat 8
- The Richmond and Bryant ranges, including the Rai Valley area and the Marlborough Sounds: 9am - 6pm Sat 8
- Eastern Marlborough south of Ward: 3pm Sat 9 - 9pm Sun 9
- Banks Peninsula: 3am - 3pm Sun 9
- North Otago and Dunedin: 2am - 2pm Sun 9
