Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 9:45am Friday 18 Apr 2025

Heavy rain for parts of the North Island and the upper South Island.

Cyclone Tam lies west of New Zealand and slowly weakens over the next few days. Associated fronts move southwards over the country through into Saturday, bringing heavy rain to parts of the North Island and upper South Island. Large waves affecting eastern coastlines of the upper North Island are expected to gradually ease today and tomorrow.

Warnings and Watches for heavy rain are in force.

Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua and the Kaimai Range

Period: 12hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 9:00pm Friday 18 Apr 2025

Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 40 to 70 mm of rain inland, and lesser amounts nearer the coast. Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm/h with possible thunderstorms about and east or Roturua. Heavy rain easing from the west this afternoon.
Note, further showers expected on Saturday.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay, also Bay of Plenty northeast of Omaio

Period: 21hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 6:00am Saturday 19 Apr 2025

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected with thunderstorms possible, mainly from this afternoon.
Note, further periods of heavy rain are possible for the remainder of Saturday and Sunday.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Period: 4hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 1:00pm Friday 18 Apr 2025

Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 20 to 40 mm of rain about the ranges, and lesser amounts nearer the coast. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h about the ranges.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Period: 39hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 12:00am Sunday 20 Apr 2025

Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 150 to 200 mm of rain about the ranges, and lesser amounts nearer the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected about the ranges, mainly from tonight with thunderstorms possible.
Note, further periods of heavy rain are expected on Sunday.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Area: Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Mounga

Period: 36hrs from 12:00am Saturday 19 Apr 2025 to 12:00pm Sunday 20 Apr 2025

Forecast: Expect 150 to 200 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected.
Note, further rain expected for remainder of Sunday and this warning may be extended.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow

Area: Bay of Plenty about and east of Whakatane, and southwest of Omaio

Period: 18hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 3:00am Saturday 19 Apr 2025

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible from afternoon.
Note, further showers expected for remainder of Saturday.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Tongariro National Park

Period: 18hrs from 9:00am Friday 18 Apr 2025 to 3:00am Saturday 19 Apr 2025

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00pm Friday 18 Apr 2025

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Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

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