The MetService is warning motorists and people near waterways to be wary of heavy showers forecast for the top half of the North Island this afternoon.
Daytime heating together with very high surface moisture gives rise to a threat of very heavy showers in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty regions this afternoon.
Some of these may become severe with rainfall rates in the 25 to 40mm/hr range due to slow storm motions. The activity is expected to dissipate this evening, said forecaster Paul Mallinson.
Such intense rainfall could cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain, he said.
- NZPA
