Heavy rain watches are in force for the upper North Island today with Northland and Auckland in for thunderstorms throughout Sunday.
MetService said a front embedded in a moist northeasterly flow was expected to move slowly south over Northland and Auckland.
“Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and downpours possible,” the forecaster said.
“Amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them in localised areas, especially in thunderstorms and downpours.”
There was a moderate chance these watches could be upgraded to warnings, MetService added.
“There is a lot of uncertainty with respect to the amounts and distribution of significant heavy rain.”
Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm an hour were possible in Northland.
“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.”
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Far North this morning at around 7am but has since been lifted.
Slip closes Mangamuka Gorge
A section of State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has been closed due to a slip which NZTA says will take most of the day to clear.
“While people are currently able to detour via State Highway 10, river levels are high at Kaeo and contractors are monitoring,” an NZTA spokesperson said.
“Where possible, people are asked to delay unnecessary travel and, if they must travel, to expect the unexpected and remain alert.”
