Heavy rain warning for Nth Island

Heavy rain is predicted for the northern North Island over the weekend, with possible flooding and slips, the MetService says.

Outbreaks of rain were expected in Whangarei today, becoming heavier across Northland tomorrow and with up to 25mm per hour expected to fall in the eastern hills tomorrow morning.

Rains would then spread to the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty from late Sunday morning and continue until Tuesday.

In Gisborne, heavy rain was expected on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by strong winds.

Moderate to heavy rain was possible until Wednesday, the MetService said.

People in the Coromandel and Gisborne were advised to watch out for rapidly rising rivers and streams, along with surface flooding and slips.

A strong to gale easterly wind was also expected in central and southern parts of the North Island.

- NZPA