Weather: Warnings in Auckland, Northland as thunderstorms, downpours bear down on North Island

Aucklanders are being warned to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for short-notice harbour bridge lane closures as an intense low moves down the country.

MetService has issued a 19-hour orange heavy-rain warning for Northland as a subtropical low and preceding fronts move slowly southwards across the top of the country. It came into place at 3pm and will lapse at 10am tomorrow.

Up to 6cm of rain an hour and severe thunderstorms forecast to begin mid-afternoon have prompted warnings of flash flooding and slips across the top of the North Island.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel with Auckland and the far north of Tairāwhiti under heavy rain watches.

Auckland has also been issued a strong wind watch from 4am until noon on Tuesday, with MetService warning easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Heavy rain will impact much of the upper North Island, particularly Northland (where it's needed) Tuesday.

If you're travelling 🚗✈️, be sure to stay on top of the forecast, as well as watches & warnings from @MetService.

E-NE winds means the western NI has warmest temps. pic.twitter.com/Oq94IhWV58

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 20, 2025

Warnings in place:

• Northland: From 3pm Monday til 10am Tuesday - heavy rain and severe thunderstorms forecast. From 11pm Monday til 8am Tuesday – severe thunderstorms forecast. From 1am til 8am Tuesday – strong winds forecast.
• Coromandel Peninsula: From 6am til 9pm Tuesday - heavy rain forecast.
• Auckland and Great Barrier Island: From 4am til 4pm Tuesday – heavy rain forecast. From 4am til midday Tuesday, strong wind is forecast.

⚠ Severe Weather Warnings and Watches issued 20th January 2025

⚠ Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula have been upgraded to 🟠Heavy Rain Warnings🟠

Full details: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5@AklCouncil @NRCexpress @OurCoromandel @NZCDEM @nztamain pic.twitter.com/ozcCvFV0BH

— MetService (@MetService) January 19, 2025

‘Take extreme care’ on bridge

The NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) advises caution driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and warns of potential short-notice lane closures and reduced speeds for safety.

Crews will be closely monitoring state highways while MetService’s warnings are in place.

“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising all road users to take extreme care, especially high sided vehicles and motorcyclists in the wind and for those who come across any surface flooding, from rising rivers and streams nearby,” NZTA said.

“It’s really important to drive to the conditions, adjust your speed and following distance when you need to and be alert for the possibility of surface flooding or debris on roads.”

The bridge is expected to maintain a 4x4 lane configuration during peak traffic hours tomorrow morning and evening.

AEM’s advice to Aucklanders

Auckland Emergency Management has urged Aucklanders to take action now to prepare for the weather.

• Check your drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked. These can cause flooding issues during heavy rain.
• Secure outdoor furniture and items in your back yard
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area.
• Take care if you are driving in heavy rain. Do not drive through floodwaters.
• If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
• Looking out for neighbours, friends and family is important, especially if you live, work or travel in an area that is prone to flooding, slips or power outages.
• Fallen trees, or debris on public property can be reported to Auckland Council using our online “Report a Problem” tool on our website.
• Phone on 09 301 0101 for blocked stormwater drains.

‘Take extra care’ - Northland Civil Defence

Northland’s Civil Defence group has warned people to “keep an eye on the weather and take extra care” ahead of the forecast 19 hours of torrential rain.

An orange heavy rain warning is currently in force for Northland for broad-scale heavy rain along with a severe thunderstorm watch from 11pm Monday to 8am Tuesday.

“Embedded within the rain-band severe thunderstorms may also produce intense localised rainfall of 25-60 mm/h (or possibly more) in some places,” it warned.

“Rainfall of this intensity will cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

“Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.”

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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