Gisborne weather: Rain watch and warning issued for Tairāwhiti this weekend

An orange rain warning is in force over Tairāwhiti, north of Ūawa/Tolaga Bay, for 14 hours from 8pm Friday evening. A yellow rain watch will be in place over the rest of the region for 15 hours from 9pm Friday. Image / MetService

Heavy rain is expected for Tairāwhiti on the third anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle with the strongest warning issued for parts of the region still in recovery from recent weather.

MetService issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Gisborne district north of Ūawa/Tolaga Bay, which will be in place for 14 hours from 8pm Friday until 10am Saturday.

Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki is also covered by the warning.

“Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain to accumulate, with the chance of 130 to 150 mm in one or two places. Peak rainfall rates are very dependent on localised convection or thunderstorms, and may reach 25 to 35 mm per hour during Saturday morning,” MetService said.

MetService said there was a “low” chance of it being upgraded to a red warning.

“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions possible. Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.“

That area includes Te Araroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay. Both areas are still recovering from damage caused by flooding and slips during severe weather last month.

A yellow heavy rain watch was issued for the rest of the Gisborne district south of Tolaga Bay, covering 15 hours from 9pm Friday until noon on Saturday.

“Peak rainfall rates are very dependent on localised convection or thunderstorms and may reach 25 to 35 mm per hour during Saturday morning. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.”