Issued at 8:32pm Monday 23 Sep 2019

A period of heavy rain for parts of central New Zealand and gale northwesterlies for upper parts of the North Island

A front, preceded by strong northwesterlies, is forecast to move north across central and northern New Zealand overnight tonight (Monday) and on Tuesday morning, then away from the North Island late Tuesday afternoon to evening. The front should bring a brief period of heavy rain with it, especially about the ranges.

The heaviest rain is expected about the ranges of Buller north of Westport and the Tararua Range where a Heavy Rain Warning is still in force. A Heavy Rain Watch remains in force for Nelson west of Motueka, Mount Taranaki, the central North Island high county, the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne.

In addition, the Watch also covers the possibility that northwesterly winds may rise to severe gale in exposed parts of Northland, Auckland and Waikato ahead of the front.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and the ranges of Gisborne
Valid: 8 hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.

Area: Taumarunui, Taupo and Taihape including Tongariro National Park
Valid: 12 hours from 3:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria, especially about the higher ground.

Area: Mount Taranaki
Valid: 10 hours from 1:00am to 11:00am Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.

Area: Nelson west of Motueka
Valid: 6 hours from 8:00pm Monday to 2:00am Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach short-duration Warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island
Valid: 6 hours from 8:00am to 2:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may rise to gale gusting 100 km/h in exposed places at times.

Area: Waikato
Valid: 5 hours from 7:00am to 12:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: Northwesterly winds may rise to gale gusting 100 km/h in exposed places at times, especially about the coast.

An update for severe weather will be issued by 10:00am Tuesday 24 Sep 2019.

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