Bay of Plenty weather: Heavy rain warnings, possible thunderstorms coming

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. Photo / Alex Burton

Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula.

Severe gales are also expected for parts of the country, the MetService has warned in its latest weather update.

A heavy rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatāne and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Ruatoria tomorrow while a heavy rain watch is in place for areas west of Whakatāne.

 An “active front preceded by heavy rain and gale northwesterlies is expected to move northwards over the South Island during Thursday and Friday morning,” MetService said.

“Another active front preceded by gale northeasterlies is expected to move over the upper North Island during Friday.”

People are urged to clear their guttering and drains in preparation for the heavy rain later today.

Heavy rain warning

Bay of Plenty about and east of Whakatane and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Ruatoria

Period: 12hrs from 3pm Fri, 9 May - 3am Sat, 10 May

Forecast: Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain, mainly about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h. Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

Heavy rain watch

Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne including the Kaimai Range.

Period: 12 hours from 8am to 8pm, Friday May 9.

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them about isolated areas, especially in localised downpours. High chance of upgrading to a warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Waikato excluding the Kaimai Range, also Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupō.

Period: 12 hours from 8am to 8pm, Friday May 9.

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them about isolated areas. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.