Northland in for 30 hours of non-stop rainfall
North Island, New Zealand: A swathe of weather warnings are in force for the top of New Zealand as northern regions brace for torrential rain, gales and huge seas, with some parts at risk of flooding.
First tropically charged storm of 2023
Skies are darkening and the wind ramping up as the first tropically charged storm of 2023 bears down on the top half of the North Island.
Those tenting in holiday hotspots are being warned to be extra prepared for heavy rain and windy weather that is expected to kick in later tonight and, for some areas, hang around until the weekend.
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Northland from 1am Wednesday, while Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Nelson are under heavy rain watches as the subtropical low edges closer by the hour.
Rain is expected to start falling in Auckland at 9am and keep falling until Thursday.
In Northland, where many have headed for their annual summer holiday, the rain is expected to arrive overnight and fall for 30 hours non-stop.
Meanwhile, a strong wind watch has also been issued for Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Great Barrier Is, Northland, Taihape, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Waikato and Waitomo.
Gale warning
A gale warning is in place for Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour as winds rise to 75km/h today, worsening to 85km/h west of Waiheke Island on Wednesday afternoon.
They said one international Jetstar flight from Gold Coast was diverted to Christchurch, but had now landed in Wellington. “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, with some areas likely to receive warning amounts of rain and possible severe gale northeasterlies.
“Also note that large northeast swells could bring hazardous conditions to exposed coasts,” MetService posted on its website.