Drivers in Northland, Coromandel and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti are being advised to be “extra cautious” on the roads with more heavy rain forecast into the afternoon.
Some roads around Whangārei were closed or partially closed due to slips and fallen trees this morning, the Whangārei District Council said.
MetService yesterday issued orange heavy rain warnings and strong wind watches for parts of the North Island.
At 10am, Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti remained under heavy rain warnings into this afternoon and Wednesday, with a further 40 to 70mm of rain expected for Northland on top of what has already fallen.
“Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm per hour, and thunderstorms possible south of Bay of Islands,” MetService said.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island were also under a heavy rain watch into this evening, with “periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria”.
Thunderstorms and localised downpours were also possible, mostly in the north and east of the region.
Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula were all under strong wind watches into the afternoon.
In a statement on social media, Northland Civil Defence said rainfall and strong winds had continued throughout Monday night and into the morning for many places across the region.
“Initially, the heaviest falls were in the northeast of Northland, but the rain has spread further southward,” it said.
The highest rainfall total rainfall recorded so far was around the Kaeo area, with the regional council rain gauge at Touwai recording 130mm over the last 24 hours.
The agency warned drivers to take extra care and look out for any hazards such as slips, downed trees, and surface flooding.
Road closures
In an update at 9am, the Whangārei District Council said road closures were in place due to multiple slips and fallen tress blocking access.
Finlayson Brook Rd, Marua Rd and Memorial Drive were all closed, while partial closures were in place on Bay View Rd, Pipiwai Rd North and Russell Rd (Whakapara).
New Zealand Transport Agency urged drivers travelling throughout Gisborne/Tairāwhiti to be extra cautious over the next 24 hours with a heavy rain warning in place.
“Crews will be ready to respond to issues throughout the night, such as possible surface flooding,” the agency said.
“If you are travelling the network, please adhere to any temporary traffic management or speed restrictions that may be in place.
People could see any updates to the highway network on NZTA’s Journey Planner.
Power outages
Northpower reported two areas with unplanned outages due to high winds, broken power lines and downed trees across lines.
The outages impacted 58 customers around Waikiekie North Rd, Paparoa Rd and Walker Rd and 42 customers on Millbrook Rd and Walters Rd.
Seven customers were impacted on State Highway 12.
It was unknown exactly when the power would be restored to affected properties.
Earlier, Top Energy reported power outages to some customers due to tree contact on feeders in Opononi, Amarua and Takou Bay.
These have since been restored, while four customers were without power on Guthrie Rd.
