Northland weather: MetService issues heavy rain watch and severe thunderstorms warning

Northland is in for a wet and thundery start to the weekend. Photo / NZME

A wet start to the weekend is forecast for Northland as a humid northeast flow sweeps across the North Island.

The region is under a heavy rain watch until 10am tomorrow and a severe thunderstorm warning.

MetService said localised downpours were possible and could have significant impacts if they occur.

“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.”

Localised downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour were possible, MetService said.

At 12.37pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Kawakawa, Kaikohe, Moerewa, Punakitere, Ngawha Springs, Hikurangi, Towai, Whakapara, Poor Knights Islands, Whangaruru, Whananaki, Matapoouri and Helena bay.These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the south, and are expected to lie near Nukutawhiti, Awarua, Twin Bridges, Pakotai, Opahi, Hikurangi, Kamo, Poor Knighs Island, Ngunguru, Whananaki, Matapouri, Pataua and Taiharuru at 1.07pm, and near Kaihu, Nukutawhiti, Moengawahine, Twin Bridges, Pakotai, Waihue, Purua, Whangarei, Portland, Maungakaramea, Ruakaka, Hen and Chicken Islands, Bream Head, Marsden Point, Pataua and Taiharuru at 1.37pm, MetService said.

A Helena Bay resident reported the thunder as sounding like a heavy object rolling down a hill and lasting for at least 10s at a time.

Around a dozen households are without power in the Far North, according to Top Energy.

The affected properties are in the Pukepoto area south of Kaitaia and in the Oruru area south of Coopers Beach. Power is expected to be restored by 12.30pm.

Civil Defence Northland encouraged people to take care while out and about, with surface flooding, landslides and difficult driving conditions possible.

“Streams and rivers can rise rapidly, so avoid low lying areas and stay cautious on the roads,” it said.

“If you’re able to, today is a good time to check and clear drains and gutters before the rain sets in.”

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.