Over the last 24 hours, 12 lightning strikes had been recorded over Northland, but across the wider offshore area 2513 struck mostly across the top of the North Island.
A slip on Russell Rd near Whakapara around 7.15 today. Photo / Denise Piper
Meanwhile, the Kaeo River has been steadily rising this morning with some water reaching SH10.
High tide is expected at 1.45pm which could result in road closures.
Whangārei District Council reported closures at Russell Rd, Finlayson Brook Rd and Memorial Dr.
Meanwhile, there were partial closures on Bay View Rd, Old Parua Bay North Rd and Kaiikanui Rd.
Motorists have been advised to follow any directions from workers or signage.
Motorists have been advised to take care of fallen debris and slips, which have been encountered throughout the region.
Flooding on Russell Rd at Whakapara on Tuesday morning, a common location for flooding. Photo / Denise Piper
Metservice meteorologist Oscar Shiviti said the heavy rain warning is expected to last until 2pm today but a watch will remain until 5pm.
The highest rainfall recorded so far was in the Kaeo area in the Far North, with the Northland Regional Council rain gauge at Touwai recording 130mm over the last 24 hours.
Kerikeri received 84.2mm of rain in the past 24 hours, Kaikohe 83mm, and Whangārei 71.1mm.
“There were chances of thunderstorm activity, and there were areas that would receive thunderstorms especially areas in the east.”
The risk of thunderstorms remained moderate for most of the day for areas south of Kaikohe, he said.
It was expected a further 40 to 70mm of rain on top of what had already fallen could come.
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.
