Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning has been issued for the Coromandel and Auckland for 12 hours between noon and midnight today.
Thunderstorms were possible for the Coromandel, with around 50 to 70mm expected but rainfall could be higher in more localised areas with intensities of 10 to 15mm per hour. Downpours of more than 40mm were also possible.
The feed of air from the tropics that brought warm temperatures and heavy rain to western and northern areas over the past week is set to depart.
In a statement, MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen said the band of rain lying over the West Coast of the South Island would “reinvigorate” into “a very active system” when it moves across the country tomorrow.
“It will bring a burst of heavy rain to those same areas that have been affected over the last week.”
The rain band would move quicker this time around, with most regions only seeing a few hours of wet weather.
It would, however, be very intense rainfall and had the potential for localised torrential rainfall rates and thunderstorms.
“This very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground, so impacts such as surface flooding, rising rivers, and slips are likely,” Owen said.
After the exit of the tropical air, a low-pressure system from the Tasman Sea and a cold front southwest of the country was expected to reach New Zealand on Wednesday.
Temperature drops were expected as far north as Kaitāia, and further rain and strong winds.
Snow was expected to about 800 metres over the central North Island on Thursday.
“This colder air is expected to spread right up the country, bringing a distinctly wintery feel,” Owen said.
The region is still drenched from persistent rain, which caused flooding and triggered slips, particularly, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
A slip came down on Gorge Rd on Ōhope Hill on Sunday night. Footage showed the slip covering both lanes.
A Whakatāne District Council spokeswoman said the slip was cleared quickly.
State Highway 2 through the Waimana Gorge was closed for several days last week due to mud and debris, reopening on Saturday.
Several slips were reported including one that smashed into a retired couple’s home on the outskirts of Tāneatua.
Nema director John Price said there was an increased risk of flooding and landslides.
“We are facing a severe weather situation, where orange heavy rain warnings and thunderstorm watches have been issued for large parts of the motu.
“We ask that people keep up to date with MetService’s watches and warnings, and follow their local CDEM [Civil Defence Emergency Management] group on their social accounts.”
He warned 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. If you are driving be alert to areas of collapsed roading or slips of mud and rocks.
“Nema has partially activated the National Co-ordination Centre [NCC] to support response agencies and Civil Defence Emergency Management groups around the country as they respond.
“This is a widespread heavy rain event, and Nema is engaging with CDEM groups to ensure they have the resources they need.”
Tips to get ready:
What to do before heavy rain:
- Have a plan
- Clear debris from gutters and drains
- Bring pets indoors and move farm animals to higher ground
- Check on your neighbours
During heavy rain
- Follow the instructions of emergency services and the local CDEM groups and if you feel unsafe at any time, evacuate to higher ground.
- Stay indoors and avoid driving during heavy downpours
- Surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
- Stay away from and out of water. Never try to walk, play, swim, canoe or drive in floodwater: even water just 15cm deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles.
- Your safety and that of others is critical.
After heavy rain:
- Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.
- Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.
- Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.
For more information on how to prepare go to https://getready.govt.nz/en.
