Weather warnings have been upgraded in the Bay of Plenty as “significant” heavy rain and gales bear down on the upper North Island.
A deep subtropical low will start affecting the country today, with Far North areas now under a red warning from MetService – its highest alert level for severe weather.
Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne, is under an orange heavy rain warning for 42 hours from 9am Thursday.
The region could expect 200mm to 250mm of rain, with a high chance of a warning upgrade to red.
MetService said the orange level came with dangerous river conditions, flooding and slip warnings.
“Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected.
“Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.”
The orange warning is also in place for Coromandel for 36 hours from 6am Thursday.
“This will be an impactful multi-hazard event,” MetService said.
Meteorologist Silvia Martino told the Herald rain would start spreading south into Northland this afternoon.
“The rain starts to get heavy in the evening and it really is a long period of heavy rain for them,” she said.
Martino warned of consistent rain “for a couple of days”.
MetService said the heaviest rain was likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty.
“Downpours, flooding and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday.”
A Bay of Plenty Civil Defence spokesperson said they continued to actively monitor the current weather situation.
“We’re working closely with local councils and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room.
“We urge communities to take care if they’re out and about as heavy rain may lead to surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions.
“Streams and rivers may also rise quickly, so please avoid low‑lying areas and remain cautious."
Bay of Plenty councils also urged people to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel, beaches and low-lying, flood-prone areas.
Tauranga City Council said on its Facebook page that given the recent weather event, there was an increased risk of landslides.
“If you spot signs of ground movement or a landslide occurs, evacuate immediately. If lives are at risk, call 111.
“Please take care if you’re out and about from tomorrow. There may be surface flooding and difficult driving conditions.
“Streams and rivers may also rise rapidly so avoid low-lying areas and be cautious.
“To report an issue, call our contact centre on 07 577 7000 and provide the exact location. Our team is available 24/7.”
Rotorua Lakes Council said its teams would undertake the usual preparations and continue to update the community over the coming days.
It advised:
Western Bay of Plenty District Council duty controller Scott Parker said they were actively monitoring the weather system alongside regional partners and were ready to respond if necessary.
“We are doing pre-rain checks in known trouble spots to make sure stormwater can flow freely, and our transportation team is inspecting key roading sites. Essential contractors, such as arborists, will be on standby.
“We’ll be touching base with certain organisations and properties with a history of flooding, and connecting with Community Response Teams and local iwi.
He said the worst of the weather was expected on Friday.
“In the meantime, we encourage everyone to be prepared - check emergency supplies (batteries, torches, medications etc), clear debris from drains and gutters if it is safe to do so, and tie down or bring inside anything that could blow away, like outdoor furniture or trampolines.
“Now’s also a good time to check on neighbours, friends and whānau, especially those who might need a hand getting prepared.”
He said that with the January storm still fresh in everyone’s minds, people should be aware that the ground remained unstable in places.
“Even though the surface may have dried out, previous slips often leave behind weakened soil and disturbed layers.
“When rain falls, water can seep into these areas, reducing the soil’s strength and increasing the risk for further movement.
“If you live near, are visiting, or driving through areas which may be prone to landslides, please stay alert and aware.
“Landslides can happen quickly and without warning. If you see signs of a potential landslide, please act quickly - evacuate the building, or move away from the area.”
He said warning signs included:
• Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
• Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
• Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
• Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
• New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
• Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.
He said to check the council’s Facebook page, or the Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Civil Defence websites for updates.
Any issues, such as slips, flooding, blocked drains, can be reported to the council via 0800 926 732 or the Antenno app.