Morena koutou,

Although this event has begun with only moderate rainfall for most parts of Northland up to this point and no further significant issues on the roads, we – and all of the region’s emergency services and partner agencies – continue to urge Northlanders to take it seriously.

This afternoon and evening are the key times of concern, with the possibility of localised downpours causing issues. The Red Heavy Rain Warning, Strong Wind Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Watch remain in place for Northland.

Emergency services and partner agencies such councils and contractors, health and welfare agencies have all been making co-ordinated preparations, holding regular briefings and sharing information. Northland Police, Northland – Fire and Emergency, Hato Hone St John and NZ Defence Force have all brought additional personnel and equipment into the region.

The latest MetService New Zealand can be found at the link below – we will continue to monitor the situation on behalf of the public and all stakeholders in the Northland CDEM network, and will be back to you as soon as anything changes. In the meantime, we ask that you continue to stay up-to-date, drive to the conditions and avoid non-essential travel, and generally take a cautious approach to the afternoon and evening in particular.

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-north

A situation report will be circulated at 1600hrs

Latest Metservice Warnings and Watches

Heavy Rain Warning – Red
Issued at 9:17am Tue 31 Jan 2023
This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

Area: Northland
Valid: 19 hours from 9:00am Tue 31 Jan to 4:00am Wed 1 Feb
Forecast: Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain in the north and east, with lesser amounts in the west. However, localised areas may receive 140 to 220 mm. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, mainly in the north and east, but localised areas may see 25 to 40 mm/h, or possibly more. Thunderstorms are also possible, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force.

Strong Wind Watch

Issued at 8:52pm Mon 30 Jan 2023
Area: Northland
Valid: 18 hours from 9:00am Tue 31 Jan to 3:00am Wed 1 Feb
Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

MetService Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Issued at 10:21am Tue 31 Jan 2023

Area: Northland
Valid: 16 hours from 12:00pm Tue 31 Jan to 4:00am Wed 1 Feb
A front is expected to bring heavy rain to Northland during Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, as detailed in the Heavy Rain Warning. There is a moderate risk of SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS with this front, bringing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h or possibly more.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.  Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

Ngā mihi

Evania Arani

Emergency Management Specialist

Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

Northland Regional Council  »  Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Te Taitokerau