Damp weather set to linger in Northland

The soggy conditions that spoilt outdoor fun for Northlanders during the weekend are poised to continue at least until Wednesday.

The MetService has warned another low moving in from the Tasman Sea tomorrow will strengthen northeasterly winds in Northland before heading southwest.

Strong rain and winds, particularly overnight on Saturday, wreaked havoc in parts of Whangarei and resulted in a couple of weather-related callouts attended by firefighters. In Cove Rd, Waipu, floodwaters threatened a sleepout at a holiday home yesterday morning. Fire chief Trevor Vaile said water from a flooded ditch seeped into the sleepout that was occupied by a couple.

Firefighters had helped protect belongings in the house until floodwaters receded.

In neighbouring Ruakaka strong onshore wind had pulled the awning off a house in Marsden Pt Rd, smashing it against the front window before it landed on the roof.

Ruakaka Fire Station Officer Jeff D'Ath said a woman living at the property became scared and rang 111.

Firefighters had managed to pull the awning down and roll it up.

Northland Regional Council rainfall data revealed two areas received more than 100mm of rain in the 24 hours from about 12.40pm on Saturday.

Waihoihoi at Brynderwyn received 130mm while Ngunguru at Dugmore's Rock recorded 100.5mm.

Wilson's Dam at Ruakaka received 79.5mm, Whakapara at Puhipuhi 76mm, Paparoa near Maungaturoto 71.5mm, Waiarohia Stream in central Whangarei 64.6mm, and Awaroa in Wallace Rd, Ruawai, 62mm.

MetService weather forecaster Hannah Moes said the rain and windy conditions were the result of a front associated with a low to the west of Northland after moving down the Tasman Sea.

Although a gale-force wind warning for Northland had been lifted, she said strong easterly winds of up to 50km/h were expected in the region today and tomorrow.

Winds, she said, were expected to die down as the low moved east tomorrow.

However, another front arriving in Northland late Wednesday should bring heavy rain and strong northeasterlies.

"Showers (today), light rain on Tuesday and heavy rain on Wednesday is what Northland should expect," Ms Moes said.

Despite the wind and rain Kaitaia was the hottest place throughout the country at lunchtime yesterday at 23.4C.