Wild weather on way, forecasters warn

Northlanders are in for a wet, windy and wild weekend with forecasters predicting heavy downpours, severe gales and big seas.

The MetService is warning a very deep low is expected to pass close to Cape Reinga tomorrow (subs: Saturday 26 July) afternoon, then track southeast along the region’s east coast.

Claire Nyberg, Civil Defence Support Officer for the Northland Regional Council, says that will bring heavy rain to the region tomorrow, with severe gales of up to 110 kilometres and hour possible tomorrow or Sunday. “These winds may generate very rough sea conditions and swells of up to six metres in northern and eastern parts of the North Island.”

Ms Nyberg says Regional Council staff will be monitoring the situation closely, but with up to 80 to 100 mm of rain expected to fall over 12 hours from midday tomorrow, adds people should keep a close watch for potentially hazardous driving conditions, including surface flooding, rising river levels and storm surges in coastal areas.

Boaties are also advised to make sure their vessels are well-secured today in preparation for the storm with Regional Council maritime staff advising people to stay off the water this weekend for their own safety.

Ms Nyberg says people should also keep up to date with the latest forecasts.