Significant heavy rain and gales for parts of New Zealand

A deep sub-tropical low approaches New Zealand in the coming days, with heavy rain and strong northeast winds spreading to many regions from tonight into Friday.

This will be an impactful multi-hazard event. The heaviest rain and largest amounts are likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty where downpours, flooding, and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday. A RED HEAVY RAIN WARNING is in force for Northland.

A period of large northeast waves is also expected with strong to gale-force winds. Heavy rain and strong winds will also affect parts of the South Island, especially for Tasman and the West Coast.

MetService urges everyone to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and severe weather information.

Area: Auckland south of Whangaparaoa, but excluding the Hunua Range

Period: 33hrs from 3am Thu, 26 Mar - noon Fri, 27 Mar

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may exceed warning criteria. High chance of upgrading to a 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. Preparedness advice.

Area: Waikato and Taupo

Period: 34hrs from 8am Thu, 26 Mar - 6pm Fri, 27 Mar

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Amounts may approach warning criteria, especially in localised areas. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Taranaki Maunga

Period: 27hrs from 9am Thu, 26 Mar - noon Fri, 27 Mar

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

Area: Tasman District north of Saint Arnaud not under a Warning

Period: 26hrs from noon Thu, 26 Mar - 2pm Fri, 27 Mar

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

Area: The inland ranges of Marlborough west of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and south of Picton

Period: 22hrs from 6pm Thu, 26 Mar - 4pm Fri, 27 Mar

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

Area: Ranges of the Westland District

Period: 36hrs from 3pm Thu, 26 Mar - 3am Sat, 28 Mar

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

Area: North Otago, also Canterbury south of Timaru and east Otematata

Period: 13hrs from 5pm Thu, 26 Mar - 6am Fri, 27 Mar

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

Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato

Period: 23hrs from 9am Thu, 26 Mar - 8am Fri, 27 Mar

Forecast: East to northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Taupo, Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui, South and Central Taranaki

Period: 24hrs from noon Thu, 26 Mar - noon Fri, 27 Mar

Forecast: North to northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Banks Peninsula

Period: 24hrs from 7pm Thu, 26 Mar - 7pm Fri, 27 Mar

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 8:51pm Wed, 25 Mar
Next update: 10am Thu, 26 Mar
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.