Storms on way, threat of floods

Photo / Alan Gibson

Large areas of the North Island were braced for flooding and strong winds last night - and torrential rains are set to continue until tomorrow afternoon.

A slow-moving trough which brought moderate rain yesterday was expected to strengthen overnight, bringing 300mm to 400mm of rain in some places.

MetService forecaster Allister Gorman said: "Those are substantial numbers."

A severe weather warning was issued for the area north of Taupo and the Bay of Plenty and farmers were warned to move stock to higher ground.

Some campers had been moved and others were packing up, said Waikato Civil Defence duty officer Greg Ryan.

People along the Coromandel coastline were at risk of flooding because an exceptionally high tide would coincide with the wild weather, said Ryan.

The MetService was warning people to stay away from culverts and drains and urging them to avoid travel and postpone outdoor activities today.

Gorman said people in affected areas should secure anything that could be picked up by the wind.

"Basically just make sure things are well-secured" including boats.

- Additional reporting NZPA