Heavy rain and winds up to 120km/h set to hit Northland

Motorists heading home after the long weekend are being told by MetService to take care as a heavy rain warning looms. Photo / File

Strong winds and torrential downpours that buffeted Northland over the weekend are expected to continue until Monday afternoon.

MetService issued a heavy rain and strong wind warning for the entire region, predicted to lift around 1pm on Monday.

A complex low-pressure system looks set to bring around 100 to 150mm of rainfall to Northland – especially in the Far North and around the eastern hills. Heavy periods of rain could see peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.

MetService warned streams and rivers in the region could rise rapidly with surface flooding and slips a concern for motorists, either returning to the region after the long weekend or heading home.

Northlanders planning to be outside may have to endure severe east to northeast gales – with gusts reaching 120km/h.

Strong winds may cause damage to trees, power lines and unsecured structures.

MetService again warned motorists – especially in large vehicles and motorcycles – to consider the hazardous driving conditions.

Thunderstorms were also a possibility for most of the region.

Saturday evening saw winds up to 90km/h around many areas in Northland.

Wiroa Rd, west of Kerikeri, recorded 37mm of rainfall in the 24-hours until 10.55am on Sunday. Ōhaeawai was close behind with 31mm, followed by Twin Bridges in Mangakahia, which received 27mm.

Whangārei reaped the lowest recorded rainfall on Robert St with 1.3mm of rain in the 24-hours before Sunday at 10.55am. Wallace Rd in Awaroa saw 1.5mm f rain in the same time period.

Around 261 residents in Russell were without power from 3am as Top Energy worked to repair an equipment fault on the Russell Express feeder.

It was unknown whether the severe weather had contributed to the power outage.

Top Energy staff were able to restore power to all affected homes in the area after approximately seven hours.