People living on the Tutukaka Coast should think about heading home now with Civil Defence warning Ngunguru Rd could flood from heavy rain.
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is advising of possible localised flooding later this afternoon around Kaeo and Ngunguru Rd to the Tutukaka Coast in particular, and is recommending residents make their travel plans ahead of high tide around 6pm.
MetService is forecasting continued rainfall through to Saturday morning.
"People need to be aware of the possibility of localised flooding and keep informed before they travel, via options such as the AA Roadwatch website, local radio or social media," says Northland CDEM spokeswoman Victoria Randall said.
Ms Randall said 180 to 240mm of rain is forecast to accumulate, especially in the east, with peak intensities up to 50mm per hour in thunderstorms.