Flood warning for Waikato as seven-day low moves in

Photo / Greg Bowker

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Weather analysts are predicting more rain for the already saturated central North Island with a large depression, described as a seven-day low, moving in from Tasmania.

A flood warning has been issued for the Waikato after forecasters predicted up to 120mm of rain during the next 24 hours.

Environment Waikato river and catchment services group manager Scott Fowlds said rivers in the region were already high after last week's rain, although they had been receding since then.

Land also tended to be saturated, increasing the risk of surface flooding, he said.

"We will be monitoring river levels closely and issuing the public with any relevant advice they need to help avoid or manage flood-related risks," Mr Fowlds said.

"Farmers are also advised to move stock to higher ground if it is felt they could be at risk from flooding."

The low descending on the central North Island is so large it is predicted to take up to seven days to cross the country.

Warnings have been issued for Waikato, Taumarunui, Tongariro, Taihape and Taranaki.

MetService says the heaviest falls are expected late tomorrow morning and afternoon.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB