Fading cyclone expected to bring stormy weekend

Photo / Alan Gibson

The remnants of a tropical cyclone are expected to batter the north of New Zealand with another weekend of strong winds and heavy rain.

A Metservice severe weather warning issued this morning said Tropical Cyclone Wilma, which caused widespread damage to Samoa and Tonga, should reach New Zealand on Friday.

Though it would no longer be cyclone strength, it would still bring gale winds and heavy rain to many northern parts of the North Island, the warning said.

Northland was expected to receive the heaviest rainfall, with up to 200mm fallling in a 24 period.

The area already received 240mm of rain in 30 hours last weekend - more than double the region's average monthly rainfall of about 105mm.

Rain warnings have also been issued in Auckland, eastern Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.

Strong or gale force winds are also expected in exposed places around parts of Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula.

"Heavy rain is likely to lead to rapidly rising streams and rivers. Surface flooding and slips may make also make driving difficult, particularly in Northland and Auckland. People in all these areas, especially those planning outdoor activities, should be prepared for a period of strong or gale winds and very heavy rain," the Metservice warning said.

Weatherwatch.co.nz head analyst Philip Duncan said Cyclone Wilma was the largest cyclone recorded this summer - with an average wind speed of 215km/hr and gusts of up to 260km/hr.

But it is fading and should not bring weather as severe as last weekend - which saw flood damage and road closures across the North Island, he said.

Mr Duncan said he expected the storm to be gone in 24-36 hours.

"This storm is falling apart and dying. The storm we had last weekend was just new and full of life."

"That's good for all the people in that part of the country they can hopefully enjoy a sunny Auckland anniversary day."

Metservice Weather Ambassador Bob McDavitt said the combination of onshore wind and low pressure from Cyclone Wilma is likely to bring dangerous surf to the eastern coastline between Northland and Bay of Plenty.