High winds hit Red Beach on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast. Video / Grant Bradley
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High winds hit Red Beach on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast. Video / Grant Bradley
NOW PLAYING • Gales hit Red Beach on Hibiscus Coast
High winds hit Red Beach on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast. Video / Grant Bradley
More than 1500 properties in Northland lost power due to severe wind gusts and heavy rain.
Northland Civil Defence and Auckland Emergency Management urge caution and preparedness for flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
Gisborne is also in the wild weather’s firing line with intense rainfall expected this evening.
Over 1500 homes lost power in Northland and multiple roads were forced to close due to slips and flooding.
Northland Civil Defence recorded 130mm of rainfall overnight in Kāeo and the river is rising and hit a warning level for State Highway 10.
As of 9am, Northland Regional Council reportedon its website that the Kāeo River had reached a warning level.
Aucklanders are being warned to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for short-notice harbour bridge lane closures as a slow-moving subtropical low affects the North Island.
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Meanwhile, Gisborne is also preparing for intense rainfall with Tairāwhiti Civil Defence warning of flash flooding and slips.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVEBLOG
A power outage in the Waikato township of Paeroa is affecting over 700 properties. Earlier, more than 1500 people in Northland lost power due to severe wind gusts.
Aucklanders are warned to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for potential harbour bridge lane closures.
Northland Civil Defence and Auckland Emergency Management urge caution and preparedness for flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
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21 January, 03:41 am
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21 January, 03:41 am
Power outage in Waikato
A power outage in the Waikato township of Paeroa is affecting over 700 properties.
According to Powerco, the outage was reported shortly after 4pm and is estimated to be restored at 8.15pm.
At this stage 729 properties have been affected. Powerco says a site investigation is underway.
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21 January, 02:28 am
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21 January, 01:54 am
Lower North Island reaches high-20Cs amid sunny skies
Meanwhile, the lower North Island is being blessed with warm, sunny skies today after an extended period of cooler than normal temperatures.
"We are finally seeing temperatures reach expected highs for a summer period. The capital has already reached a high of 24C today," MetService said.
Elsewhere, MetService has observed a high of 27C in Levin, 24C in Palmerston North and 20C in Whanganui.
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21 January, 01:51 am
Update from Civil Defence Northland
In an update at 2.15pm, Civil Defence Northland has warned residents that although rain has eased in the region, it's important to remember hazards resulting from the weather event - such as surface flooding and fallen trees or debris - may still be present.
"If you’re on the roads this afternoon, make sure to drive to the conditions and watch out for any hazards."
Civil Defence Northland said there were currently no State Highway closures, but a few local roads across the region remained closed.
"Northpower and Top Energy NZ have resolved the majority of their outages, with a couple still lingering on the Northpower network."
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21 January, 12:49 am
Rainfall at the Pinnacles on track to reach 100mm by end of day
The Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) says minor surface flooding has been observed along drains this afternoon, which is "expected in these conditions".
It said rain continues to be moderate to heavy across the Coromandel Peninsula and appears to be worsening.
A "lightning and thunderstorm cell" is also currently moving across the district."
In Whangamatā, power outages have reduced to 70 properties as of 1:00pm with restoration efforts ongoing," TCDC said.
It said no significant road issues had been reported, but drivers should remain cautious and watch for surface flooding and debris.
"Rainfall at the Pinnacles is on track to reach 100mm by the end of the day. Heavy falls have also been detected near Port Charles on the rain radar."
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21 January, 12:31 am
Lightning, possible heavy falls over Coromandel
The rain band that has caused havoc in Northland throughout the morning is now over southern Auckland and Waikato, MetService said at 1pm.
MetService said there had been lightning strikes over the Coromandel Peninsula and possible intense falls for localised areas.
"Meanwhile, things have eased in Northland, but the afternoon could bring the odd shower."
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21 January, 12:29 am
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21 January, 12:00 am
Russell power cut
More than 850 properties in Russell have gone dark after the wild weather cut power to the Northland community.
According to Top Energy, the power cut was reported just before 1 and it is unknown when it will be restored.
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20 January, 10:35 pm
Storm hits Coromandel
Nearly 700 properties are without power in Whangamatā as the wild weather moves off Northland and onto Auckland and Coromandel.
Powerco is reporting 673 homes are without power today. Another outage in Thames had cut property to at least two more homes.
STORY CONTINUES
In Whangārei, the district council reported several slips and fallen trees have blocked Finlayson Brook Rd, Marua Rd and Memorial Drive.
Almost 1000 properties are without power in Whareora, Glenbervie, Tikipunga, Maungatāpere, Kamo and Kokopu.
Hundreds of properties are also without power in the Far North.
Top Energy says 557 customers have had their electricity supply cut in Hokianga and 89 in Awarua. Its website says a tree fell on lines shortly after 7am affecting the Awarua supply.
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the rain had peaked over the past few hours.
“It’s been really particularly heavy early this morning.”
Lynden said a “good band of precipitation” would probably cause the heavy rain to linger in the morning.
Further south in Auckland, 100km/h gusts are battering exposed areas of the east coast.
The harbour bridge is experiencing strong 75km/h gusts as people make the morning commute.
Good morning Aotearoa/New Zealand
🌧Rain continues to fall in the north, currently affecting Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula. Thunderstorms also observed in the east⛈
The rain is expected to persist through the day in these areas, but also expected to slowly… pic.twitter.com/bTatotQc8i
MetService has issued an 18-hour orange heavy rain warning for Northland that doesn’t lift until 2pm today.
A heavy rain warning has been issued until 10pm for 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 today, with MetService warning easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in northern parts of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, during the morning.
An orange heavy rain warning will come into force for Gisborne at 4pm this evening and is expected to last until 8am tomorrow.
MetService is warning residents to expect 80 to 100mm of rain.
Northland’s Civil Defence group has warned people to “keep an eye on the weather and take extra care” because of the risk of torrential rain.
An orange heavy rain warning is in force for Northland for broad-scale heavy rain until 2pm, along with a severe thunderstorm watch until 8am.
“Embedded within the rain band severe thunderstorms may also produce intense localised rainfall of 25-60mm/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.”
⚠ Severe Weather Warnings and Watches issued 20th January 2025
⚠ Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula have been upgraded to 🟠Heavy Rain Warnings🟠
Crews will be closely monitoring state highways while MetService’s warnings are in place.
“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi 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 today.
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 backyard.
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 the Auckland Council using its online “Report a Problem” tool on its website.
Phone on 09 301 0101 for blocked stormwater drains.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
