Heavy rain, gales for Wanganui

A severe weather warning has been issued for Wanganui as the region prepares to be buffeted by gale-force winds and heavy rain.

MetService forecasts heavy rain and severe gales over many parts of the North Island and the top of the South Island tomorrow.

A low is expected to deepen rapidly as it crosses the Tasman Sea today and should be intense as it crosses the North Island on Saturday.

The most likely track of the low centre is from Taranaki to Hawke's Bay during tomorrow morning with pressure at the low centre falling to near 970hPa. A period of heavy rain is likely in many areas and warning amounts are expected in the ranges from Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu, the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, also Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kaikoura Ranges. Streams and rivers will rise quickly.

Severe gales are forecast for North Island areas from Taranaki and Waikato across to Bay of Plenty and down to Wellington as well as Buller, Nelson and Marlborough. These winds have the potential to be damaging with hazardous travelling conditions.

Rough seas and heavy swells may cause erosion and storm surge inundation in some coastal areas.

Conditions should ease later on Saturday as the low moves away to the east.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

AREA: Mt Taranaki and the ranges across to Mt Ruapehu

FORECAST: Rain is expected to become heavy overnight. In the 18 hours from 10pm Friday to 4pm Saturday expect 80 to 100mm of rain,

but 150 to 180mm is possible on higher slopes of Mt Taranaki.

STRONG WIND WARNING

AREA: Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua

FORECAST: Severe gale southeast winds are expected to develop early Saturday morning. Gusts of 150km/h are possible between about

4am and midday. The winds should then ease and tend southerly.

Max Benseman, Wanganui District Council emergency manager said the Whanganui River level at Pipiriki is 2.29 metres and steady. He urged people to use Horizons `Waterline' at 0508 435663 for any rain or river level info.