After floods . . . more rain expected in North
Just when Northland has had enough of heavy rain, MetService issued a heavy rain and strong wind watches for the region today — the fourth this month.
Roads across Northland flooded for the third time in November last week, and MetService says more is likely today and tomorrow as a northwest flow sweeps down the country.
Some parts of the region are still mopping up from recent deluges, but MetService said there will be periods of heavy thundery rain for the upper North Island and west of the South Island with severe north to northwest gales possible from 6am today to 12am tomorrow.
An unstable north-west flow with embedded fronts is expected go spread over New Zealand during today and tomorrow. This system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms to much of the country, especially to the north and west, along with north to northwest gales.
The heaviest falls are expected in northern and central parts of the North Island along with Westland and northern Fiordland. A heavy rain warning and watches are now in force for these areas. Strong wind watches are also in place for parts of the upper North Island and the Canterbury High Country.
For Northland, there’s a heavy rain watch in place for 18 hours from 6am today, with periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms and downpours possible.
Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria — 80 mm to 100 mm of rain with peak rates of 20 to 25 mm/h.
MetService has also issued a strong wind watch for five hours from 7pm today, when northerly winds may approach severe gale force at times.
Northlanders are urged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or more areas are added.
This forecast and definitions for MetService warning criteria are available on the MetService website at: https://www.metservice.com/ warnings/home