Civil Defence warns Northlanders to prepare for the worst

Whangarei Falls after sustained rainfall today. Photo / supplied

Rain has started falling in the Far North with forecasters predicting sustained heavy rain could dump a further 100mm on the region this evening and overnight.

Northland Civil Defence Manager Graeme McDonald says with the ground already saturated from the weekend storm, and rivers still higher than usual, this new storm is likely to bring worse flooding to both rural and urban areas.

"Most people already know the areas and roads in their local area that are flood-prone and these are likely to be under water again over the next day or so," Mr MacDonald said.

He says officials are monitoring the situation closely and are urging Northlanders to plan ahead rather than be caught out. Mr MacDonald says people should watch out for rapidly rising streams and keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts.

He said high-tides were due to reach their peak at the end of the heavy rain.

The storms are especially bad news for farmers still cleaning up the mess left by the weekend's storm with trees down, roofs ripped off hay barns and dead calves.

have come at calving time and Northland Federated Farmers dairy chairman Ashley Cullen said sheep farmers will be facing similar problems with lambs on the way.

"I was talking to one farmer who lost five cows in the last two days," Mr Cullen said.

He said the cows could be worth up to $2500 each.

"We're not talking small dollars. He hasn't just lost the cow but also the production for the year too. Even at a minimum of 250kg at $7, you work that out," Mr Cullen said.

He said it is an anxious wait for farmers as the rain continues to fall today.

"There's not a lot you can do. You've just got to minimise the damage to the pasture," Mr Cullen said.

He said farmers are putting their cattle on concrete pads, sawdust areas and yards to minimise the damage but that can make animals lame.

"If you damage a paddock at this time of year, you basically write it off for three months," Mr Cullen said.

He said farmers are in the hands of the gods.