Heavy rain and strong winds to batter Bay of Plenty overnight

Strong winds are expected to batter the region overnight. Photo/file

A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to batter the region overnight.

An active front in the Tasman Sea is expected to move onto the North Island from late this afternoon or evening, then continue tracking southeast across the island during Monday.

The front is expected to deliver a period of heavy rain for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Nelson and the ranges of Westland.

MetService is predicting heavy rain may reach short duration warning criteria from 3am-4pm on Monday, with 60mm of rainfall in nine hours or 70mm in 12 hours.

A strong wind watch is also in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua west of Whakatane, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape and Whanganui hill country.

Northeasterlies may reach severe gale in exposed places for eight hours from 10pm on Sunday to 6am on Monday.

Severe gale northeasterlies are also possible about exposed parts of the upper North Island from the central high country and Taranaki northwards.

The strongest winds are expected in Northland and Auckland. A strong wind warning is in force for these regions.

MetService advised people, especially in these areas, to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of this Watch are upgraded to a full warning, or further areas are added.

Heavy Rain Watch:

Northland
Valid: 12 hours from 1pm Sunday to 1am Monday
Forecast: Rain may reach short duration warning amounts, for example 60mm in 9 hours or 70mm in 12 hours, especially about the eastern hills, with possible thunderstorms.

Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 14 hours from 9pm Sunday to 11am Monday
Forecast: Heavy rain may reach short duration warning criteria, for example 70mm in 12 hours, with thunderstorms possible.

Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua
Valid: 13 hours from 3am to 4pm Monday
Forecast: Heavy rain may reach short duration warning criteria, for example 60mm in 9 hours or 70mm in 12 hours.

Nelson, especially west of Motueka
Valid: 12 hours from 10pm Sunday to 10am Monday
Forecast: Heavy rain may reach short duration warning amounts, for example 60mm in 9 hours.

Ranges of Westland south of Otira
Valid: 12 hours from 10am to 10pm Monday
Forecast: Rain with heavy falls on the ranges, may reach short duration warning amounts, for example 70mm in 12 hours.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay Of Plenty and Rotorua west of Whakatane, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape and Whanganui hill country.
Valid: 8 hours from 10pm Sunday to 6am Monday
Forecast: Northeasterlies may reach severe gale in exposed places.