North Island Weather: Severe Storm & Rain Warnings

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Northland & Auckland, Heavy Rain Threatens East Coast

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Northland and Auckland this afternoon, while residents along the North Island’s east coast are preparing for meaningful rainfall throughout the weekend. A slow-moving weather front is expected to deliver periods of heavy rain to Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, prompting warnings from MetService.

Upper North Island Braces for Thunderstorms

MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the upper North island, active between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday. The forecast indicates a moderate risk of thunderstorms and localized downpours, possibly reaching up to 40mm per hour. This rapid rainfall could lead to localized flooding and hazardous conditions.

Did you know? – New Zealand experiences an average of over 100 thunderstorms annually, with the highest frequency occurring during spring and summer months.

Heavy Rain Warnings for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay

Further south, heavy rain warnings are currently in place for both Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. According to the latest forecasts, rain is anticipated to begin late Saturday morning in Gisborne and persist through Sunday, with accumulations potentially reaching 150mm over a 24-hour period. Peak rainfall rates of 25-40mm per hour are possible during thunderstorms on Saturday, gradually decreasing after midnight.

In Hawke’s Bay, the warning is active from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, with expected rainfall totals of 70-100mm.Areas north of Napier could experience short, intense bursts of rainfall, reaching 25-40mm per hour during thunderstorms.

pro tip – During heavy rain, avoid driving through flooded roads. Even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away, posing a serious safety risk.

Potential Impacts and Safety Precautions

The anticipated rainfall poses a risk of rapidly rising streams and rivers, as well as surface flooding, slips, and challenging driving conditions. Residents in affected areas are strongly advised to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage. These include clearing drains and gutters to ensure proper water flow, avoiding low-lying areas prone to flooding, and exercising extreme caution while driving.

Current Weather Warnings at a Glance

Here’s a summary of the current weather warnings and watches:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Northland, Auckland – 6 hours from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday
• Heavy Rain Warning – Orange: Gisborne/Tairawhiti – 24 hours from 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m.Sunday
• Heavy Rain Warning: Hawke’s Bay north of Napier and the Ruahine Range – 14 hours from 9 a.m.to 11 p.m. on Saturday

Why: A slow-moving weather front is causing the severe weather. The front is bringing thunderstorms to the upper North Island and heavy rain to the east coast.
Who: Residents of Northland, auckland, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Hawke’s Bay (north of Napier and the Ruahine Range) are affected.
What: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Northland and Auckland, while heavy rain warnings (orange level for Gisborne) are in place for the east coast. Potential impacts include flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.
How did it end? As of this report,the weather event is ongoing. The thunderstorm watch for Northland and auckland is set to expire at 9 p.m. Friday. The heavy rain warning for Gisborne is in effect until 11 a.m. sunday, and the warning for Hawke’s Bay until 11 p.m. Saturday. MetService will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.