It's likely to be a wet and rainy couple of days for the Far North as a "slow-moving band of rain" moves over the region — bringing with it a threat of thunderstorms.
An orange heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService for Northland north of Whangārei between 10am this morning and 10am tomorrow.
MetService said 100mm to 150mm of rain was expected, with a possible 150mm to 250mm in some localised areas.
"The largest amounts likely [are] about the eastern hills and north of the Bay of Islands," MetService said.
The forecaster said streams and rivers could rise rapidly with surface flooding and slips, which were expected to make driving conditions difficult.
The rainband was expected to lie over the North until tomorrow morning, and MetService said there was a "moderate" risk of thunderstorms – which could bring heavy rain and hail.
"There is also a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms producing downpours, especially in areas from the Bay of Islands northwards."
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Northland between 10am today and 10am tomorrow.
The downpours could bring rain rates of 25mm/h to 40mm/h.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially in 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."
For the rest of the country, the cloud was expected to break up, with some "brighter spells" developing throughout Thursday.
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