Wild time: Rain warning issued
More heavy rain is expected to lash the North Island today, with warnings in force until mid-morning.
MetService meteorologist Tahlia Crabtree said the rain and strong winds buffeting Auckland yesterday afternoon would continue into the evening: “It’s not going anywhere. It’s just going to get worse.”
The forecaster issued heavy rain watches for Auckland and Northland, warning thunderstorms were possible, with the downpours expected to begin easing in Northland from 1am and to ease in Auckland from 3am. MetService expected 30mm of rainfall overnight, Crabtree said. Stations across Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel recorded gusts over 65km/h yesterday afternoon.
A heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, came into force last night, with up to 120mm likely to fall on the eastern coast from about 9pm, with peak intensities potentially reaching 20mm-30mm an hour or more this morning.
MetService duty meteorologist Andrew James said the rain was the result of a low-pressure system swinging down from the north, bringing warm temperatures.
While all the North Island would see some rain, just the tip of the South Island to Blenheim and Nelson would be affected by heavy rain.
There was also an “outside possibility” of mini tornadoes but predicting exactly where was difficult.
By tomorrow, it should be over for Auckland and Northland, but Bay of Plenty will suffer a bit longer.