“All of those areas that have already had significant rainfall [are] in the line for some more.”
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, Mt Taranaki, Tasman, Grey and Westland Districts, Fiordland and for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass.
The warnings for the South Island are already in force and come to an end throughout the day tomorrow.
The warnings for the North Island come into effect tomorrow and MetService is warning that the areas should expect some “squally” thunderstorms.
Auckland’s warning is in place between midday and midnight on Tuesday.
“Around 50 to 70mm [of rain] is expected, but possibly more in localised areas. Intensities of 10 to 15mm per hour, but thunderstorms and downpours of 40mm per hour or more are possible in localised areas.”
MetService said there is a chance of surface flooding, slips and, rising rivers and streams and dangerous driving conditions.
NEMA Director John Price is warning people to take care, be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Given the amount of rain that has already fallen we want people to be aware that there is an increased possibility that there could be landslides,” Price said.
“If you are driving be alert to areas of collapsed roading or slips of mud and rocks.”
The National Coordination Centre (NCC) has been partially activated by NEMA to assist response organisations and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups around the nation in their reaction.
”This is a widespread heavy rain event, and NEMA is engaging with CDEM Groups to ensure they have the resources they need,” Price said.
“The Government stands ready to help the affected regions, some of which were badly hit during recent severe weather events in various parts of New Zealand
“We are in this together so check on your neighbours, friends and whanau.”
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown is advising Aucklanders to keep an eye on the Auckland Civil Defence pages for updates or to find out how to get help ahead of the forecast downpour.
Northland will be under the orange heavy rain warning between 7am and 7pm tomorrow. The area is already under a severe thunderstorm watch through to tomorrow evening.
“Expect 70 to 90mm of rain, with possibly more in localised areas. Intensities of 10 to 20mm per hour, but thunderstorms may produce downpours of 40mm per hour or more in localised areas.”
Mt Taranaki’s warning is in place between 9am and 9pm tomorrow and the area is expected to see up to 150mm of rain.
As the rain leaves mid-week, so will the warm air with temperatures expected to drop for the entire country and snow expected in the South Island.
James said the cold air will be coming up from Antarctica.
“From Wednesday people will notice a decent drop in the temperatures, some strong winds with that system and possibly looking like a bit of snow down south too.”
Christchurch’s temperatures today are forecast at a high of 22C and a low of 15C but by Wednesday it will have a high of 15C and a low of 3C.
Further south, Queenstown can expect to drop to 0C on Thursday and high of just 9C. Today’s temperatures in the holiday hot spot are between 10C and 17C.
MetService has also issued a road snowfall warning for the Crown Range Rd from 10pm tomorrow night through to 5am on Wednesday.
James said temperatures will really start to cool down for the North Island on Thursday.
By the end of the week, Auckland is in store for lows between 7C and 9C and highs of 14C and 17C.
It will be even colder in Hamilton, with forecast lows between 0C and 3C and highs between 12C and 16C expected.
Meanwhile, West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is asking people to consider delaying any non-essential travel across Westland as rain batters the region.
WCEM group manager Claire Brown said they are expecting there to be landslides and possible road closures.
“We have received considerable rainfall the last week and are expecting significant rainfall, particularly for Westland tonight and tomorrow.
“Take a very cautious approach if you are driving around the region over the next couple of days.”
