“There are no current state highway closures currently but the Kaeo river is running high,” the agency said.
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the rain had peaked over the past few hours.
“It’s been really particularly heavy early this morning.”
Lynden said a “good band of precipitation” will likely cause the heavy rain to linger in the morning.
Further south in Auckland, 100km/h gusts are battering exposed areas of the east coast.
The harbour bridge is experiencing strong 75km/h gusts as people make the morning commute.
The NZ Transport Agency urged caution on the bridge and said reduced speed limits and lane reductions are possible until 4pm.
Lynden said that over the next 24 hours, Auckland is likely to see 30-40mm of rain, heavier in the northern regions.
MetService has issued an 18-hour orange heavy-rain warning for Northland which doesn’t lift until 2pm today. It warns severe thunderstorms may bring “intense downpours” and make driving conditions hazardous.
A heavy rain warning has been issued until 10pm for Coromandel, with Auckland and the far north of Tairāwhiti under heavy rain watches.
Auckland has also been issued a strong wind watch from 4am until noon today, with MetService warning easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in northern parts of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, during the morning.
‘Take extra care’ - Northland Civil Defence
Northland’s Civil Defence group has warned people to “keep an eye on the weather and take extra care” because of the risk of torrential rain.
An orange heavy rain warning is currently in force for Northland for broad-scale heavy rain until 2pm, along with a severe thunderstorm watch until 8am.
“Embedded within the rain-band severe thunderstorms may also produce intense localised rainfall of 25-60mm/h [or possibly more] in some places,” it warned.
“Rainfall of this intensity will cause surface and/or 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.”
‘Take extreme care’ on bridge
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises caution driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge today with the potential of short-notice lane closures and reduced speeds for safety.
Crews will be closely monitoring state highways while MetService’s warnings are in place.
“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi [NZTA] is advising all road users to take extreme care, especially high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists in the wind and for those who come across any surface flooding, from rising rivers and streams nearby,” NZTA said.
“It’s really important to drive to the conditions, adjust your speed and following distance when you need to and be alert for the possibility of surface flooding or debris on roads.”
The bridge is expected to maintain a 4x4 lane configuration during peak traffic hours today.
AEM’s advice to Aucklanders
Auckland Emergency Management has urged Aucklanders to take action now to prepare for the weather.
- Check your drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked. These can cause flooding issues during heavy rain.
- Secure outdoor furniture and items in your backyard.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area.
- Take care if you are driving in heavy rain. Do not drive through floodwaters.
- If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
- Looking out for neighbours, friends and family is important, especially if you live, work or travel in an area that is prone to flooding, slips or power outages.
- Fallen trees or debris on public property can be reported to the Auckland Council using its online “Report a Problem” tool on its website.
- Phone on 09 301 0101 for blocked stormwater drains.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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