Northland residents feeling unsafe as a significant storm nears are being advised to evacuate today if they can, during daylight hours.
A red heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of Northland, with MetService describing the incoming weather as an “impactful multi-hazard event”.
The warning is in effect until 4am Friday and covers the area east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei, with MetService warning that dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips could bring a threat to life.
In an update posted online, Whangārei District Council said its important people consider their own situation and exposure to landslides and flooding.
It said people in the Whangaruru North and South area whose homes were impacted by flooding and land slips in the January weather event, and who don’t feel safe, are advised to leave today to a safe location either with family and friends or to a local marae.
“We are advising people to leave today, ideally during daylight hours.”
The council said there will be no pilot service on Kaiikanui Road and people should restrict all non-essential travel, tomorrow especially when the worst of the weather is due to hit.
“If you must travel on Kaiikanui Road during this weather event, take extreme care, travel during daylight hours if possible and keep your speed below 30km. If you can, take the alternative route out via Opua.
“If you are feeling unsafe in your home and choose to leave, remember to take a grab-bag with 4-5 days’ worth of clothes, medicine and whatever else you need to be away from home, including your pets.
“If you are in danger, call 111.”
The deep sub-tropical low approaching New Zealand will bring heavy rain and strong northeast winds for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty from late today through tomorrow and Friday.
MetService said to expect 270mm to 320mm of rain with peak falls of 25mm/h to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning.
The remainder of Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island have had orange warnings for wind and rain issued.
Auckland Emergency Management has warned residents to run through their get-ready checklist.
“We are sandwiched in between the regions forecast to bear the brunt of this front, but we still need to be prepared for some heavy rain and nasty conditions,” it warned.
“Check your household emergency plan is up to date.”
Meteorologist Silvia Martino told the Herald rain would start spreading south into Northland this afternoon.
“The rain starts to get heavy in the evening and it really is a long period of heavy rain for them,” she said, warning of consistent rain “for a couple of days”.
MetService said the heaviest rain was likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty.
“Downpours, flooding, and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday.”
The Bay of Plenty District Council said that with the January storm still fresh in everyone’s minds, people needed to be aware that the ground remains unstable in places.
It said even though the surface may have dried out, previous slips often leave behind weakened soil and disturbed layers.
“When rain falls, water can seep into these areas, reducing the soil’s strength and increasing the risk for further movement,” the council said.
The local council said landslides can happen quickly and without warning.
“If you see signs of a potential landslide, please act quickly - evacuate the building, or move away from the area,” it said.
🚩 Red Rain Warning issued for Northland 🚩
— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 24, 2026
Significant rainfall is expected for Northland over the next two days with 270-320 mm of rain expected for eastern areas. There is the potential for downpours from training bands of very heavy rain from Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/9VRVMQNN1K
Heavy rain warnings are also forecast to come into force for Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula from early tomorrow morning until Friday night.
Martino said the rain would begin to move across Auckland today; however, the heaviest rain would drench the city tomorrow and into Friday.
The wet weather will continue to spread southward tomorrow, with the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty set to be drenched in the morning, Martino said.
An orange heavy rain warning comes into effect for the remainder of Northland, not under the red warning, from 4pm today until 4am on Friday.
An orange strong wind warning has been issued for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 8am tomorrow until 1am on Friday.
Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane will be under an orange rain warning from 9am tomorrow until 3am on Saturday.
A Bay of Plenty Civil Defence spokesperson said they were actively monitoring the situation.
“We’re working closely with local councils and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room.
“We urge communities to take care if they’re out and about as heavy rain may lead to surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions.
“Streams and rivers may also rise quickly, so please avoid low‑lying areas and remain cautious."
Several other parts of the North Island, including Waikato and Taranaki, have had wind and rain watches issued.
In the South Island, rain warnings for Tasman west of Motueka as well as Richmond and Bryant Ranges will come into effect tomorrow, while several watches have been issued across the island.
A big weather event on the way! ☁️ 🌊 🌧️
— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 24, 2026
🌀 A deep low-pressure system currently located south-west of New Caledonia, gradually tracks south. The system will not only bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of New Zealand, but waves will also rise.
So, expect heavy swells… pic.twitter.com/OHYDdhvV6l
Powerful winds were forecast to bring heavy swells to coastal areas.
“Expect heavy swells with heights exceeding 4m to affect coastal areas of the North Island from Wednesday night,” MetService said.
“Later in the week, big waves will affect the South Island, with swell heights possibly exceeding 6m, especially in the western coastal areas.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) warned motorists of possible disruptions to travel on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as high winds are forecast between 9pm tonight and 9am Friday.
Winds “may force lane closures and additional short periods of full closure to ensure safety”, said NZTA.
The strongest gusts, some potentially blowing at 120km/h, are expected to hit overnight on Thursday.
The transport authority advised drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists to avoid the bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.
Civil Defence Northland said residents should prepare for the incoming weather.
Recommended action included:
The organisation said it was monitoring the situation and positioning resources across the region so it could respond effectively if needed.
NZTA Northland journey manager Kingston Brands said Northland motorists should take care on the roads.
“Strong winds and prolonged rain mean drivers should expect possible disruption and plan accordingly”.
Brands said Whakapara, Kaeo, and Rangiahua are common spots for surface flooding where drivers should take extra care travelling through.
“We are urging people to drive to the conditions and consider delaying non‑essential travel during heavy rain. Do not drive through floodwater and follow all road signs and instructions, noting ongoing road works will also be on parts of the state highway network.”
NZTA said motorists are being advised that a severe weather warning is in place for areas west of Whakatāne tomorrow, which may make driving treacherous.
State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge may be closed at short notice if conditions deteriorate and it becomes unsafe for travel.
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