Northland weather watches issued for Wednesday as heavy rain, strong winds to hammer region

MetService says a widespread weather system is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain throughout tomorrow and into the evening. Photo / NZME

MetService is urging people to keep an eye on the forecast as a weather system is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain tomorrow.

The national weather authority issued a strong wind watch from 4pm until midnight tomorrow and a heavy rain watch from 8am until midnight.

Meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said strong winds were expected to pass through the region, bringing with them widespread rain and thunderstorms.

Mhlongo said the “widespread system” would sit across Northland, and gusts of between 92-110km/h were forecast.

He said people should stay indoors if possible, as conditions such as strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning could be dangerous.

Strong winds would be followed later on in the day by a rainband, he said.

“We can expect stronger winds before the extra heavy rain.”

He encouraged people to keep an eye on the forecast as there was the possibility of the watches being upgraded to warnings.

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.