Photo: Unsplash / Erik Witsoe
Weather warnings for the upper North Island have been upgraded as strong winds and downpours are set to hit overnight.
MetService said a large weather system was looking to set up camp just west of the country on Tuesday and would bring heavy rain to the upper North Island.
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Northland spanning 41 hours, beginning in the early hours of Wednesday until Thursday night.
MetService said 120 to 180mm of rain could be expected, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday with possible thunderstorms.
The torrential rain could cause surface flooding and slips, MetService said. Northlanders are advised to clear their drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Beginning on Wednesday afternoon, a strong wind warning was also in place for Northland with severe gales and "damaging" gusts of up to 140 kph possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning.
A strong wind warning was also issued for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 9pm on Wednesday until midnight the next day with severe gales gusting up to 120kph in exposed areas.
Damage to trees and powerlines was possible, MetService said, and driving could be difficult especially for high-sided vehicles and motorbikes.
MetService suggested people secured any items on their properties that could be picked up by strong winds.
The worst of the weather for the North Island could be expected on Thursday, a MetService spokesperson said.
"With plenty of travellers on the road over the Easter Break, people should be extra cautious and keep a close eye on the forecast, particularly with the exodus from Auckland lining up with the most significant weather."
Prepping ahead of Easter break
Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs said planning and preparation were key for Aucklanders in the lead up to Easter weekend.
"We've enjoyed a relatively settled, long and dry summer, but this weather system well and truly signals a seasonal change.
"As we head towards the long weekend, we're urging Aucklanders to do a few important things to prepare their homes and properties for some wild weather, and to factor the forecast into their weekend plans."
Maggs said people should check the forecast before making any plans to travel and make sure to drive to the conditions and keep an eye out for any surface flooding.
"We're expecting some pretty gusty winds later on Wednesday and Thursday and these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment.
"Rubbish and recycling bins can also be easily blown over so keep that in mind."
Maggs urged people to put their bins out the day of collection rather than the night before to prevent this.
"Auckland Council's Healthy Waters team has been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains as part of their seasonal checks and preparation ahead of bad weather. It's important that residents do this too."
It was also a good time to check emergency readiness supplies, he said, in case power went out.
Boatie warning
The Waikato harbourmaster warned boaties not to ignore the forecast.
Hayden Coburn said severe weather was expected to produce coastal swells of several metres, and make bar crossings extremely hazardous.
He said people should not be afraid to alter or cancel their boating plans if the conditions were not right. Boaties could check live video of both the Tairua and Raglan bars online before deciding to head out.
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