Northland and Auckland are under a severe thunderstorm watch this afternoon, while the North Island’s east coast is bracing for a soaking this weekend as a slow-moving front brings periods of heavy rain to Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the upper North Island between 3pm and 9pm on Friday, warning of a moderate risk of thunderstorms and localised downpours of up to 40mm an hour.
Further south, heavy rain warnings are in place for Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Rain was forecast to begin late Saturday morning in Gisborne and continue through to Sunday, with up to 150mm expected over 24 hours. Peak rates of 25–40mm per hour were possible during thunderstorms on Saturday, the forecaster said, easing slightly after midnight.
In Hawke’s Bay, the warning would ran from 9am to 11pm Saturday, with 70–100mm of rain expected. Thunderstorms north of Napier could bring short bursts of 25–40mm per hour.
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions are possible. Residents were urged to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously.
Full list of weather warnings and watches
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Northland, Auckland - 6 hours from 3pm to 9pm Friday
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Gisborne/Tairawhiti - 24 hours from 11am Saturday to 11am Sunday
Hawke's Bay north of Napier and the Ruahine Range - 14 hours from 9am to 11pm on Saturday
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