Easter weekend may have a soggy ending for the Far North. A heavy rain warning for Te Tai Tokerau warns up to 160mm of rain could fall within 24 hours, and Easter drivers could encounter hazardous conditions.
A warning has been made for midnight tonight until midnight Monday, with rain particularly fierce in the north and east of Northland.
Areas of rain can be seen spreading towards Northland in the radar imagery
— MetService (@MetService) April 17, 2022
An Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Northland from midnight tonight. Details: https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X
Follow the rain on the radar at: https://t.co/NSlU8DWP3I pic.twitter.com/T7wsIS2vNh
Between 25 to 40mm of rain could fall per hour, which could amount to between 120 and 160mm of rain in some areas throughout Monday.
MetService is warning that surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Drivers returning after the Easter holiday weekend are warned to take care.
There has also been a strong winds warning for the Auckland Harbour Bridge this afternoon, with speed limits reduced as a result.
SH1 AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE - STRONG WINDS – 3PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 17, 2022
Due to strong wind gusts, reduced speed limits are now in place. Please take extra care especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle, or riding a motorcycle. ^LZ pic.twitter.com/aZsetmWE4s
Forecasters said a low to the northwest of the North Island is behind the forecast for localised downpours.
More heavy rain is expected later in the week, spreading throughout the country and moving south.
A low pressure system north of Aotearoa maintains a strong, moist northeast flow across the North Island.
— MetService (@MetService) April 17, 2022
Fronts associated with this low pressure sweep across the country in the coming days, possibly bringing heavy rain to some areas.
Full outlook at: https://t.co/ePtVj8uyUZ pic.twitter.com/iGagfzq3MW
