"The rivers are filling up so flooding is possible. People travelling today need to also be weary of surface flooding," Little said.
Floodwaters are lapping at State Highway 10 north of Kaeo, according a Northland Regional Council webcam.
As of 11am Kaeo River has reached a level at which flooding of SH10 begins. Photo / Supplied
As of 11am the camera, which is mounted at Kāeo Fire Station, shows the station's rear deck is submerged and water has reached the level at which Dip Rd is flooded.
Omaunu Rd in Kāeo — which leads from SH10 to homes on the far side of the valley as well as Whangaroa Hospital — was completely submerged as of 1pm.
One affected 45 homes on Sullivans Rd in Paihia and was caused by power line damage around 10.50am. Top Energy expected to restore power around 5pm.
Another 14 homes on Aucks Rd, Ranui Rd and Waikino Rd, west of Opua, lost power at 10.20am. Repairs were expected to be completed by 2pm.
Northpower encourages Northlanders to be prepared because the likelihood of power outages could increase as wet and windy weather persists.
"It's important to ensure that you're prepared for storms or other situations that may affect your power supply," Josie Boyd, Northpower Network general manager, said.
"People should ensure they have enough drinking water to last three days and it is worth filling buckets and baths (if you have one) for washing and toilet flushing."
Boyd recommended to keep mobile phones charged and ensure people have a car charger for their devices.
