A rain map of the deluge expected to hit on Thursday afternoon. Photo: MetService
It's the middle of the school holidays and Easter is looming, but so is bad weather for much of the country. Here's what you need to know to deal with the wild weather over the next few days.
What's coming our way?
A large weather system is forming just west of the country, and is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the upper North Island, with damp skies expected for much of the country over the rest of the week.
Fiji Meteorological Service has upgraded the tropical low that has been sitting over Vanuatu as Cyclone Tam.
Cyclone Tam is now a category one system moving south-east away from Tanna Island towards New Zealand.
NZ MetService forecaster Luis Fernandes said it was likely to lose tropical cyclone status on Wednesday before reaching the North Island.
MetService has issued several rain and wind warnings for the upper North Island, and says these could be upgraded in the next few days. Check the MetService website for any updated warnings or watches.
When is it due to hit?
The first rains are expected to fall in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and heavy falls should continue until Thursday night. The worst of the weather should be here on Thursday.
Rain is expected to ease in the south and west of the North Island on Friday, while rain in the south and east of the South Island should also start to ease.
There will still be periods of rain in the north and west of the North Island on Saturday, with a few showers elsewhere. Rain in the west of the South Island could be heavy on Saturday, spreading east at times, according to MetService.
Which areas will be worst affected?
The low-pressure system developed off Vanuatu, but the exact path it will track still remains uncertain.
Up to 180mm of rain could hit Northland, with peak rates of 15-25 mm/h likely on Thursday with possible thunderstorms.
A strong wind warning was also in place for Northland with severe gales and "damaging" gusts of up to 140 kph possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning. Severe gales gusting up to 120kph in exposed areas are also expected in Auckland and Great Barrier Island from Wednesday night, lasting until midnight Thursday.
Large waves may be seen along the east coast from Northland to Gisborne, with a 6m swell expected on Thursday.
Rain is also expected to spread into the South Island on Thursday, although it should remain fine in Fiordland, Southland and Otago.
What should you do to prepare?
Northlanders are advised to clear their drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Damage to trees and powerlines is possible, and driving could be difficult especially for high-sided vehicles and motorbikes.
Auckland Council general manager of emergency management Adam Maggs said all the little ways residents can prepare will help them when the weather worsens.
"Keep an eye on the forecast," he said.
Maggs said crews were ready to respond to fallen trees and branches.
"We can expect some damage with trees and branches over the next few days, particularly on Thursday we're looking at strong easterly and northeast severe gales, so we may see branches down," Maggs said.
"If the public see trees down on public land, go to our council website and report a problem and then we can deal with that with our arborists."
Aucklanders can report any fallen trees on public property here, and any flooding or blocked stormwater drains can be reported by calling 09 301 0101.
If your life or property is at risk, phone 111.
People in the affected areas are also being told to secured any items on their properties that could be picked up by strong winds.
Rubbish and recycling bins should be placed out on the day of collection, rather than the night before. Check with your local council to see if collection days are affected by the holiday.
What if you are travelling, or going to an event?
With Easter just a few days away, roads in the affected areas will be heavy with holiday traffic. Motorists are being urged to check the forecast before making any plans to travel and make sure to drive to the conditions and keep an eye out for any surface flooding.
Maggs said drivers should allow plenty of time while on the road as they deal with the gusty and wet weather.
"Plan journeys and prepare your household, if we've got community members heading out of Auckland region for the long weekend, the Easter break, check the weather including at your destination and drive to the conditions."
NZTA Waka Kotahi said the Auckland Harbour Bridge could be closed or have speeds lowered at short notice.
Auckland Transport said there will be a "higher safety risk" on the roads, and some public transport services may also be affected - especially ferries.
"Please drive to the conditions, allow extra time to travel, and use the AT Mobile App to check for any public transport service changes."
Check whether highways are open with NZTA Waka Kotahi's journey planner. Details on local road closures in Northland can be found on the Facebook pages for the Whangārei District Council, Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council.
Check to make sure any Easter events are still being held before you travel to them - a large air show in Marlborough has already been cancelled due to the weather.
Waikato boaties are also being warned not to ignore the forecast, with coastal swells of several metres expected.
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