Severe Weather Warnings

Issued by MetService at 9:54am Saturday 28 Jan 2023

Heavy rain and strong winds for central and northern New Zealand

This update has been issued to correct the wording in the Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel Peninsula.

A sub-tropical low lies slow-moving to the northwest of the country, and directs a strong and humid northeast flow across central and northern New Zealand. Heavy rain with possible thunderstorms and downpours are likely for a number of regions this weekend, along with strong to gale force winds.

People are advised to keep up to date with forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Bay of Plenty and Gisborne north of Ruatoria

Valid: 15 hours from 9:00am Saturday to 12:00am Sunday

Forecast: Expect another 70 to 100 mm of rain about the ranges, and lesser amounts nearer the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, but 25 to 40mm/h possible in localised downpours and thunderstorms from this afternoon. Note, further rain or showers are expected on Sunday, which could be heavy at times with possible thunderstorms, and this warning may be extended.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 12 hours from 12:00am Sunday to 12:00pm Sunday

Forecast: Heavy rain has now eased across the region, but showers are forecast for the remainder of today (Saturday), some possibly heavy with thunderstorms.

This Warning covers another period of heavy rain expected from midnight tonight (Saturday) to midday Sunday, when 70 to 90 mm of rain is expected about the ranges, with lesser amounts nearer the coast. Peak intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h about the ranges, but 20 to 30 mm/h possible for a time before 6 am Sunday. Further showers are likely after midday Sunday, some could be heavy with thunderstorms.

Area: Wairarapa including the Tararua District

Valid: 12 hours from 9:00am Saturday to 9:00pm Saturday

Forecast: Expect a further 70 to 100 mm of rain about the eastern hills and Tararua Range, on top of what has already fallen, with lesser amounts elsewhere. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h. Please note, further rain or showers are expected on Sunday, which could be heavy at times.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00pm Saturday 28 Jan 2023

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