Source: Radio New Zealand
Flooding in Kiripaka, Northland. Supplied / Stella Matthews
MetService says there’s a strong likelihood of several regions being upgraded to red heavy rain warnings as a damaging storm sweeps across the country.
Northland and Whangārei are currently in a state of emergency, which will last for seven days.
Although rainfall is set to ease for both regions, others may soon be in the flood firing line.
So which regions are preparing for the worst?
Tauranga
Tauranga City Council is also warning people of landslide risks.
An orange heavy rain warning remains in place for Tauranga through to 1am on Saturday.
The warning has a high chance of being upgraded to a red warning.
Due to earlier rainfall and slips, it said there was an increased risk of new landslide occurring and more damage at sites which had already experienced slides.
“If you learn or suspect that a landslide is occurring or is about to occur in your area evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so.
“Seek higher ground outside the path of the landslide. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow path is your best protection.”
Adams Avenue, between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Rd roundabout, would be closed to vehicles from 5pm due to the heavy rain warning.
“This is a precautionary approach following geotechnical advice about the current risks on Mauao from anticipated rainfall.
“The road will not be opened until the rain event has passed and we have expert advice regarding the safety of the area.”
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is warning of possible land slides and for people to stay inside if possible.
Up to 180 millimetres of rain is expected, with the region’s orange warning likely to be upgraded to a red.
MetServices said surface flooding and road closures are expected.
Visit MetService, NZTA or the council website for updates, the region’s Civil Defence said.
Coromandel
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said there was a high chance of the Coromandel’s orange rain warning being upgraded to red.
A heavy rain warning was in place for the area from 4pm Thursday until at least 6pm Friday.
MetService said expect up to 80 to 120mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.
It said rain up to 200mm was also possible for the Coromandel Peninsula.
Auckland
All of Auckland is now under orange rain and wind warnings, with a low chance of being upgraded to red warnings.
Auckland Civil Defence said residents should prepare for flooding and stay up-to-date via MetService and the NZTA website.
Nelson/Tasman
Residents in the Nelson and Tasman districts are being asked to prepare for severe weather, with up to 250 millimetres of rain expected in some areas.
An orange heavy rain warning is in effect for Tasman northwest of Motueka until 4pm Friday, with a a high chance the warning will be upgraded to red.
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said the rain was settling in on Thursday, and people should be careful around rivers and streams, and on the roads.
Rest of South
Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for the Richmond and Bryant ranges, as well as parts of Westland, south Canterbury, and north Otago.
MetService said up to 90mm of rain could fall in North Otago and Canterbury.
There was a minimal chance of the warning upgrading to red, it said.
Red weather warnings ‘no joke’
National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) director of civil defence emergency management John Price confirmed further red warnings for parts of the country were likely.
“Red weather warnings are real and no joke, and I’m urging people not to put themselves in harm’s way, as your life safety is critical.
“MetService only issues red warnings for the most extreme weather events. Heavy rain and severe winds can cause flooding and landslides, which can kill or cause serious harm.”
Price urged people to “trust their danger sense” and not be foolish.
“If you get into trouble and need rescuing, you’ll be holding up emergency services who need to be looking after our most vulnerable.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
