MetService is warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain on Saturday for Taranaki and coastal parts of Waikato and Waitomo.
Localised downpours fell at rates nearing 20mm/hr in parts of the upper North Island overnight.
The wet conditions come just days after torrential rain triggered flash flooding and landslides across Taranaki on Thursday.
Civil Defence is urging Taranaki locals to be extra cautious on the roads, warning that conditions remain hazardous due to the saturated ground.
There was a moderate risk of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon over Northland, eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairawhiti – with the potential for hail up to a centimetre in diameter over Gisborne later in the day.
In Hawke’s Bay, MetService has issued an eleven-hour heavy rain watch for the Wairoa District from 2pm that could be upgraded to a warning.
Meteorologist Michael Pawley said a ridge of high pressure, working its way up the South Island, would lead to more stable weather in that part of the country following last week’s severe weather.
He said the change should reach the North Island by Monday morning.
Properties flooded in Eltham overnight
Fire and Emergency crews worked to pump flood water from two properties in Eltham in South Taranaki overnight.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were called to an address at 10.45pm Friday and a second at 12.45am Saturday.
They said no evacuations were needed and the properties were handed back to occupants once crews had done what they could.
Wellington wet weather worries
Wellington locals have been asked to take care and travel with caution following heavy rain across the capital.
Wellington City Council said contractors are clearing a large slip on Onslow Rd that is blocking both lanes. The road is expected to reopen about 1pm.
There is also some minor surface flooding and blocked sumps around the city, with Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) issuing alerts in the region to avoid swimming in the sea for about 48 hours.
Closures for Taranaki and Central North Island
Heavy rain has caused significant disruption to road access in and out of Taranaki, with multiple state highways closed due to slips and flooding:
SH3 closed between Piopio and Mōkau. A major slip came down Saturday 2am, cutting off the main route north out of Taranaki. Police are advising motorists to avoid the area if possible.
SH3 at Mount Messenger southbound lane closed. Mount Messenger remains closed following Thursday’s slip. Stop/go traffic controls are in place, but delays are expected.
SH43 closed. The Forgotten World Highway remains closed due to multiple slips between Stratford and Taumarunui. Crews will be reassessing later Saturday.
SH25 near Whangamata closed. This route remains closed due to a slip that fell between Port Rd and Harry Watt Drive on Friday.
Truckies’ head pleads for motorist patience
The head of the National Road Carriers Association asked motorists to be patient as the State Highway closures north of Taranaki would force truckies to take significant diversions on Saturday.
Chief executive Justin Tighe-Umbers said northbound trucks would have to head further south to Whanganui to use State Highways four and one, depending on their load.
“You’ll start to see more traffic and more road freight funnelled into other highways at greater volume.
“We’ve had some serious weather conditions out here, and drivers just have to be patient and expect that there’s going to be delays. Just take their time and don’t do stupid overtaking maneuvers.
“You will be caught behind some freight trucks. Those drivers are doing the best they can.”
Tighe-Umbers said the closure would lead to delays in dairy and logging shipments as well as a wide array of general freight.
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