More foul weather on way

MetService forecaster Georgina Griffiths sums it up perfectly when she says "Northland has had a rough run of weather lately", but she's warning more foul weather is on its way today.

MetService has issued a HIGH risk of thunderstorms for Northland this afternoon, easing this evening, and will continue to monitor the development of any severe storms.

"The main risk with the expected thunderstorms is localised heavy rain, with the possibility of downpours of up to 35 mm/hr. Deluges of this type can cause localised surface flooding, especially given the saturated soils due to recent heavy rain in the region" Ms Griffiths said.

Heavy rain yesterday caused a lot of surface flooding across Northland, she said.

Totals at Kaeo and Kerikeri and Whangarei in 19 hours from from 6pm last night were: Kaeo 117 mm, Kerikeri, 88mm and Whangarei 43mm.

"The rain rates around 8pm last night for a line Bay of Islands to Whangaroa (see radar pic at same time) were exceptional, with peak intensities 52 mm PER HOUR at Kaeo, and 25 mm/hr at the other locations," she said.